We asked MyKidsTime parents one simple question: what’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever received for raising kids? The answers came flooding in — funny, honest, and full of the kind of reassurance every parent needs to hear at some point. Here’s what real parents shared with us.
“Don’t listen to anyone else’s advice.”
— Adele
“Do what is best for you and your baby – you know them better than anyone else.”
— Melissa
“Babies do not read all the books on parenting. They do their own thing. Everything else can wait. Baby first.”
— Margaretha
“Sleep when the baby sleeps, so when baby goes for daytime naps you go for one too.”
— Sandra
“With every nappy you change, it’s one less that you will have to change.”
— Sandy
“Don’t worry too much about the housework – it will still be there. Enjoy your time with your baby, as they won’t be a baby for long.”
— Helen
“Waterproof mascara is a must.”
— Laurinda
“Go with your gut, mummy knows best.”
— Jenny
“Do what works for you and baby.”
— Darcell
“Enjoy every moment, even restless nights, because it’s just a phase and it passes too quickly. Oh, and sleep when baby sleeps – forget the housework!”
— Mandee
“Throw away all the baby books and use your instincts.”
— Linda
“Be patient.”
— Summer
Recommended Reading: What Parenting is REALLY like in 15 True Life Stories
“Do what comes naturally.”
— Paul
“Cherish every moment, as it goes very quickly.”
— Louise
“Full belly, empty nappy.”
— Alan
“Have no expectations and just roll with it!”
— Catherine
“Never say never!”
— Faye
“Enjoy the time with your new baby, relax, and don’t feel pressure to be a super mum – no one is! So put on the tracksuit bottoms when you feel like chilling, and have a big cup of coffee for the energy.”
— Deborah
“Love your baby and relax.”
— Lynn
“Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s not easy being a new mum.”
— Brenda
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“Enjoy them. It’s impossible to spoil a baby. Lift them, cuddle them, smell the top of that baby’s head every day, because it goes so fast.”
— Michelle
“Read any book you like. Listen to any advice you like. But never forget that when it comes to your own baby, you are the expert.”
— Eilis
“Always remember this saying when things are difficult: ‘This will pass.'”
— Erin
“From a midwife: remember babies are people too – some days they are hungrier or thirstier than others, just like the rest of us.”
— Jean
“Enjoy the time tucking them into bed at night – they are safe and home.”
— Bronwyn
“Don’t be so afraid of giving her a bath! For some reason, I was just terrified… but they are not that fragile.”
— Mary
“‘If you’re nervous, it means you care and you’ll do the best you can. If you weren’t at least a little worried, then we’d be worried!'”
— shared by Kat, from a hospital nurse
“Babies cry for no reason sometimes.”
— Stephanie
Recommended Reading: 10 Positive Parenting Tips Every New Parent Should Know
“You can never spoil a baby with love and cuddles.”
— Peter
“Be consistent with your child.”
— Katie
“One that stuck with me was from my dad: when out with your child in the pram and you’re about to cross the road, keep the pram back from the road. I never noticed before how many prams get pushed a little onto the road while people are waiting to cross, with trucks and buses only inches from the baby.”
— Mary
“Always have a tissue or wipe with you.”
— Katherine
“Don’t worry too much when people ask if you have a routine yet – you’ll find your own rhythm in no time. Fantastic advice: relaxed mamma, relaxed baba!”
— Edel
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff.”
— Louise
“Allow people to help you. If someone asks ‘can I get you anything in the shops?’ and you really need bread or milk, don’t say no – take the offer. My mother-in-law was great, helping me with washing when it got too much, and it came back ironed. Don’t be afraid to accept help.”
— Laura
“You’ll make mistakes – don’t beat yourself up over them. Enjoy the time, because although the days are long and hard with the lack of sleep, the years fly. Take photos and videos, as they change so quickly.”
— Angela
“Presence is better than presents.”
— Felicity
“Love, kiss, hug and snuggle as long as you can!”
— Kim
“Don’t judge, and don’t care what people think. And your house will never be clean again!”
— Monique
“Smile no matter what. We were told at our antenatal class: ‘if you look at miserable-looking kids, take a look at their parents – they’re usually miserable-looking too.'”
— Noreen
Recommended Reading: 15 Positive Parenting Techniques Every Parent Should Know
Over to you now! What’s the best parenting advice anyone has ever given you for raising kids? Share it with us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most common piece of parenting advice new parents receive?
Among the answers parents shared with us, one theme came up again and again: trust yourself. Whether it was “go with your gut” or “you are the expert on your own baby,” parents consistently said that instinct matters as much as any book or piece of outside advice.
Is it true you can’t spoil a baby with love?
That’s exactly what several parents told us, and it’s a comforting reminder for anyone worried about holding, cuddling or comforting their baby too much. Responding to a baby’s needs with love and attention isn’t spoiling them – it’s reassurance.
Why do so many parents mention sleep and housework in their advice?
Because they’re two of the biggest early struggles for new parents. The recurring advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” and let the housework wait reflects how many parents wish someone had given them permission to rest and let go of the small stuff sooner.
What should I do if I feel overwhelmed as a new parent?
Many of the parents above spoke about accepting help, being patient with yourself, and remembering that difficult phases pass. If you’re finding things tough, lean on family, friends, and your public health nurse or GP for support – you don’t have to manage everything alone.
Related Articles
If this collection of parenting wisdom struck a chord, you might also enjoy:
- What Parenting is REALLY like in 15 True Life Stories
- Parenting Tips and Touching Tales
- 10 Positive Parenting Tips Every New Parent Should Know
- 15 Positive Parenting Techniques Every Parent Should Know
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Loved these words of wisdom? Bookmark this page or share it with a friend who’s expecting or in the thick of those early parenting days – sometimes the best gift you can give a new parent is a reminder that everyone finds their own way.
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