What is the best parenting advice you've ever received?

Parenting can be the hardest and the most rewarding job we'll ever face. Every season brings new experiences, new milestones, new memories and new challenges. Luckily, we have each other, we have our friends, colleagues, parents and even complete strangers to offer advice along the way. As Kim recounts, "One day, I was having a doozy of a day, and had all 3 kids (under 4 years old) at Trader Joes - all with their own shopping carts. A woman in the checkout line simply said, 'I just bought my daughter a one-way ticket to college across the country.' She didn't offer any advice, but in that moment I felt the camaraderie amoung moms and the quiet reminder that so much of what everyone offers below rings true every single day."

Emilee, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

“This too shall pass” may sound negative, which I get, but I don't think it is meant that way. It helps keep my attitude more positive because it is a reminder to not get stuck in the weeds of parenting.

From newborn life to toddler life and now into the middle school years, this phrase has helped me see beyond what I may currently be struggling with in that phase of parenting. I look back at those sleepless nights that went well into my children’s toddler years and remember thinking there was no light at the end of that tunnel. And now? …it is rare for any of my children to be up in the middle of night.

This phrase can go beyond parenting and in to other life lessons. It is good advice to pass onto my children. Friendships changing? Having a rough sports season? Didn't get the grade you want? Not sure what college to choose? This will all pass and you will be on to the next. Don't get caught in the weeds of it all.

Ali, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

The best parenting advice I received as a new mom was just remember "The days are long, but the years are short". I think I repeat this motto daily!

Our kiddos grow up so fast, but when you are in the thick of it, all of it can seem overwhelming. One day you are stressing that they aren’t meeting that walking milestone, then the next they are running down a soccer field with their team. As of lately, I have been thinking “wow, what a snarky comment my pre-teen made” when just yesterday (or at least it feels like it) I was saying to my husband, "I can’t wait for them to be able to tell me all about their day!"

Each day that I get to be my kids' mom is a blessing, so I try to remind myself with that saying. Truly, the days are long, but the years are so short!

Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

Being reliable can't be underestimated and the trust that forms from consistency makes a giant impact on any relationship - especially the ones with my kids. My mom always said, "Never make a promise or a threat unless you plan to keep it." And, I uphold this every single day. I remember when I first dropped my youngest off at preschool. He was apprehensive about leaving me and honestly, I was nervous, too. My middle son took his hand and they walked into school together as he explained - "Mom always comes back." Yes, yes, I do! No need to worry! My kids knowing that they can count on me means the world.

On the flip side, I always follow through - even if it is a consequence for me too! If a kiddo loses screen time, they lose it - even in the least opportune time. If an assigment wasn't completed in class, it will be completed at home. This has been very helpful for teachers as well! There is no need to debate, the answer is the same - everyday. With consistency, steadiness and tons of love, my kids know what to expect - pinky promise.

Jen, Bespoke Travel Designer from @GlobalonDemandTravel

This has been passed down from someone much wiser than me. Someone who has had extraordinary challenges with their children. It resonated. If you can keep the relationship strong and maintain that bond, your children will know they can come to you in hard times. Stay connected, stay kind, and let them know you're on their side. The bond you build now lasts a lifetime.

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

Toddler meltdowns are often random and unexpected, making the situation frustrating because you don’t know where they’re coming from or how to respond.

Teenage meltdowns can look very similar. Tears, anger, and rude behavior can come out of nowhere and leave you feeling confused about what has them so out of sorts.

A dear friend and colleague of mine told me, “It’s not about the thing.” Crying about a seemingly small thing like their outfit, hair, homework assignment, etc., is usually the last straw in a series of events. If you walk backward 24 hours, you might see all the other pieces of the puzzle: the lack of sleep, running late for school, a fight with a friend, a bad grade on a test, and THEN you get to the thing they lost it over, like her hair doesn’t look right. (and you’re thinking, it looks fine!) She isn’t actually that distraught over her hair; she is overwhelmed with lots of emotions that she may not even recognize she is feeling.

I remember this every time my kids get upset, and it helps me empathize with them, rather than trivialize their situation.

It’s my job as a parent to be level-headed and help my kids understand what they’re feeling and why they’re feeling that way.

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

A good friend of mine shared this with me a few years ago, and it’s stuck with me ever since:

“Let go of the perfection.”

Her kids are older now, and she reminded me that mine won’t remember whether the dishes were done or the laundry was folded - they’ll remember if I rode bikes with them, made cookies on a random afternoon, or sat down to watch a movie together.

I think about that a lot, especially during summer when the house is louder, messier, and everyone’s home. It doesn’t mean I always get it right. But every time I choose connection over chores, I feel it — that deep-down peace of knowing this is what they’ll carry into their own families one day.

The mess will wait.

The memories won’t.

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