Advice to live by: for new parents and old

As I approach that time again (yes giving birth), it has led me to reflect on some of the advice that is usually offered as people become parents for the first time. It has been 11 years since I first embarked on parenthood and the advice has been many and varied. Now that I am about to have my 5th little boy, not surprisingly,  people are not inundating me with their baby advice and words of wisdom. And yes I concur that I feel confident in knowing what to do with a baby, how to feed, settle, soothe, how to deal with nappy rash, cradle cap, bathing and introducing solids. What I think we all need reminding of however,  be they your 1st or 6th  baby, is to seek out advice when you need it and take the support when it is offered, but most of all trust in yourself and your instincts to help you make confident decisions about what is best for you, your baby and your family. Below I have posted some of my favourite quotes that I have found whilst browsing the internet (yes getting hooked on Pinterest)…and these quotes I will continue to try and live by to ensure that I maintain balance, perspective and a good deal of happiness over the weeks, months and years to follow.

 

And when all else fails……..

So whilst I have been known to offer a lot of specific advice myself on ensuring a happy and thriving family, I  am hoping words such as these continue to cover most issues and keep things in perspective!

What has been some of the best or worst parenting advice you recieved as you embarked on he journey of parenthood?

 

Share this post

Like this article? Sign up to our email newsletter and never miss a post.

This Post Has 18 Comments

  1. katepickle

    love this… just love it!

    1. Martine

      Thankyou Kate, and thanks for sharing 🙂

  2. Naomi Ellis

    Oh my! the things people have said to me along my mothering journey. Crazy stuff…everyone seems to want to share all of their stories. I love these quotes and have all of them on my pin boards. So lovely and uplifting. Wishing you the best as you are getting closer. N x

    1. Martine

      Thanks Naomi and I have to admit many of them came from your pinterest boards….you always find lots of great pins! X

  3. Kelly

    Love this so much xx

    1. Martine

      Thanks Kelly xx

  4. Amanda Kendle

    Love the “do not disturb” sign one!!
    I’ve just got the one boy, and I try to ignore most advice (well, except from certain people who seem to have the goods!) but at the moment it’s all advice about the gap between children. (None of their business, I think!)

    1. Martine

      Thanks Amanda, and yes definately the worst advice is that which we are not asking for…especially when it comes to how many and when we should have our children. Some decisions in life are very personal and individual and should remain that way, especially if you are not asking for others input. 🙂

  5. Hear Mum Roar

    I love every single one of these quotes!

    1. Martine

      Thanks and yes they are great….would make fabulous prints to have around the house!

  6. Heidi

    So so true…. As I continuously tell all the parents I work with i may be the “parenting professional” but you are the experts about your child- I am there to support and give advice when needed but will always default to the parent. It’s really about working out what works for you as a family, unfortunately because there is so much information out there and even the man in the milk bar feels the right to comment on how you parent; it can sometimes lead to a loss of confidence in our parenting skills. Very rarely does any parent need a lesson on how to love their child and the rest of it well you just learn that on the way……

    Love the quotes – gorgeous!

    H

    1. Martine

      Thanks Heidi, and yes it is all very well to seek out advice but often it is dished out when we arn’t asking for it. As you rightly said this is when the loss of confidence occurs. And the greatest message to take away seems to be that we dont need to be perfect to be great.

  7. Jane

    I love your quotes. My fav quote was ‘The days may be long, but the years are short’ Always makes me smile a little on the inside 🙂 All the best for bubs.

    1. Martine

      A great quote too….and oh so true! 🙂

  8. Kate Sins

    Oh my goodness, I was given so much advice before my first son was born, but none of it turned out to be remotely relevant. Children are all different so what works for one won’t necessarily work for another.

    Love all these quotes (and LOVE Pinterest – have lost many hours of my life there!). All the best with the rest of your pregnancy.

    1. Martine

      Thanks Kate, and yes it’s very important to be able to differentiate between advice that is relevant and that which is not!

  9. Trish

    Love your pin interest quotes – perfect advice.
    My mother in law told me to face the pram into the sun when I took my eldest walking to make him close his eyes and go to sleep.
    Hence why we didn’t always see eye to eye when she lived with us (in granny flat).
    I believe they call it assvice when it is not so helpful or safe.
    Happy birthing your precious boy.

Comments are closed.