Share your best parenting tips/advice

**willsmum** · 13-03-2005 16:23

There are so many great ideas in this forum that I thought it would be interesting to see what everyone thinks is the best advice or tip they have ever been given about parenting.

Ours was deceptively simple - just 2 words - but it fits any number of situations both good and bad, and reminds us why we became parents in the first place.

As we were leaving hospital the midwife gave bub a last cuddle and as she handed her back, simply said:

"Enjoy her."

And we do.

**Michele Crocker** · 13-03-2005 20:55

Hi,

I agree you with the best tip of parenting is to enjoy your baby.

I was also told when I first had my first child is that you can listen to everyone else's advice whether you take that advice or not is up to you but you are the parent and what you feel right with and comfortable with you should go with and don't worry about other people critizing you. It is your child and and you are the parent and you are the one making the decisions not anybody else.

Michele
Mother of Christopher, Luke, Melissa, Jayden and ?(due in November)

**Jen** · 13-03-2005 21:26

I was told "they do what you do, they say what you say, and most importantly they say it how you say it."
Whenver I'm really annoyed I try and remember this,.,, it is scary to hear my angry voice coming back sometimes
Jen, mum of two boys 1 and 3

**mamafelix** · 13-03-2005 22:52

Follow your instincts.
No one knows your child better than you- trust your own judgements.

**Elfin** · 14-03-2005 21:43

This is a great thread. I think for me it was to never attack the child (i mean verbally) but address the behaviour. To build up their self esteem as much as possible and ignore all the silly advice given at the supermarket, child health etc and trust your own parenting instincts.

On a more practical note. Paw Paw Ointment has been the best stuff I have discovered for nappy rash, dry skin, heat rash and to help remove the scuzz build up in belly buttons

**xkwzit** · 17-03-2005 15:29

This was the most helpful (and simply profound) thing I've ever read. It ALWAYS give me an immediate, positive change in my state of mind and it helps me to positively reinforce "good" behaviour in my girls (even in the 10.5 month old

)

**Graeme** · 17-03-2005 22:42

I like all the tips suggested.

I agree that the best tip for me was to enjoy being with them. I also appreciated people who encouraged us to trust our gut feelings.

Must admit that I found it reassuring to know (with the first one) that her head wouldn't fall off if I didn't hold her correctly!

Graeme

**mumof2girls** · 31-03-2005 02:10

I think most people are right you know your children better than anyone else so you do what you think best, also though I think you need to listen to your children to know what they want/need. This may sound silly but who better to tell you than the child themselves, even if it is "just crying" you know their cries and what they mean etc.

**shellbell** · 31-03-2005 16:40

Jen, you gave me a good little chuckle

i have a 2yr 9mth old daughter and some of the things she says and the way she says them - its like looking in a mirror (not always a good thing), but it does make me laugh

my piece of advice - never make you children wait for attention. housework can wait, your babies shouldn't have to.