Golden Pieces of Advice for Mothers from Mothers

When I gave birth to my daughter I was given so much unsolicited parenting advice that my husbands best friend had to advise me to bear with all the advisors and follow my instinct. So in keeping with the trend, here is a list of advice for new mums that I think is very precious and should be inculcated such that it becomes instinct.

1. Just when you think you cannot take ‘it’ (no sleep, tantrums, whining) anymore, they stop and bring on something new. Just ride it out and enjoy the good, knowing that the other annoyances will pass.

2. Everything is temporary…they won't go down the aisle in diapers 

3. Leave the tooth alone. It will come out when it’s ready. This advice has a deeper meaning that can be applied to many mothering moments.

4. Don't make sleep a goal. Just enjoy it when you can get it. Constantly hoping and expecting sleep will make you miserable. Instead, just sleep when I can. It will make a huge difference to your sanity.

5. find the most awesome teenagers you can and interrogate their mother as to how she parented them. Then do that!

6. Let them figure out the solution, don’t always give it to them.” We are too quick to help our kids figure out life’s puzzles. We try and solve every argument they have and end up with them coming to us for every little thing. Sometimes, we just need to stand back and let them figure it out.

7. Cherish the time you have with your child, they won’t be small forever. Kids grow up so fast, some day you’ll look back and realize that all the challenging moments aren't so bad after all.

8. Take loads of pictures, they will be your treasure trove of happy childhood memories. 

9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is a tougher job than most of us ever imagined…At the same time, we’re made to feel like if we can’t do it all, we’re somehow failing. It’s not a one-person job — not even a two-person job. So ask for help. People will be glad to provide it, and you'll be thankful for the break.

10. You can either keep a schedule or you can have a life. Some flexibility will always go a long way. 

11. Remember that the baby is joining your family and not the other way around 

12. In bringing up children, spend on them half as much money, and twice as much time. 

13. Remember that your kids are only ‘lent’ to you by God, and your job is to raise them, not only for success but for eternal life, for heaven.

By Ijeoma Olujekun