“The baby doesn’t know what your birth plan is.” — Eileen G.

“‘The baby didn’t read the book about what milestone they were supposed to do at a certain time. Plus, every baby is different.” — Corrine D.

“Someone told me, ‘Don't read too many baby/parenting books. Get basic info from a reliable source, use common sense, and trust your instincts.’" — Karen M.

“Breastfeeding doesn’t make you a better mom.” — Kelli R.

“My grandmother told me, ‘Don’t touch a happy baby.’ Sure enough, every time I feel the need to adjust my baby or give her something, I interfere. Just don’t touch a happy baby! Don’t bother them!” — Brittany O.

“From my aunt: Triple make the crib. Waterproof pad/sheet/pad/sheet/pad/sheet so in the middle of the night if the diaper leaks, you just peel a set off and keep moving as opposed to digging linens from the closet at 2 a.m.” — Barbara H.

“Once the baby is old enough to try solids, use a frozen waffle for a teething ring.” — Anna D.

“From my MIL: Have the older sibling be in charge of teaching the new baby. In the hospital, the first thing my oldest taught her little sister was to grab her finger. And from that moment on, anyone coming to visit was coming to see what she had taught the baby.” — Jennifer M.

“As long as they're not hurting each other, let siblings work things out with each other rather than stepping in, so they can build their own relationship.” — Sharlene B.

“Sometimes it’s gonna be noisy in your house. Just let it be noisy.” — EJ V.

“Give lots of attention to behavior that you like. Do not give attention to behavior you don't like.” — Jennifer D.

“Sometimes you gotta just throw out the poopy underwear.” — Denise M.

“A friend who was struggling with an entitled teen advised me: Don’t ever let your kids win at Candyland. Never forgot and never did.” — Cheryl H.

“When you are a mom of boys, don’t have playdates with moms of girls. They will think you are a terrible parent and that your son is an animal when your boy is climbing, hitting, and wrecking everything. Moms of boys get each other!” — Kristina G.

“From my mother, who had four: ‘Kids will always push — even a little — just to see what they can get away with.’ So take heart… it’s not just your kid who tries this stuff.” — Diane O.

“When taking them to the grocery store, explain what you are there for. When they ask for toys, candy, etc., remind them: That’s not what we came for, end of discussion. Worked like a charm.” — Valerie B.

“The best reward you can give them is time with you.” — Ronda M.

“When my son was diagnosed with Aspergers, we were told to ‘Live in his world, don't try to make him fit into your world.’ I have embraced looking at the world in Tyler's eyes ever since, and it's been fascinating.” — Carrie G.

“A coworker told me, ‘Just when you think a phase they are in will be the death of you, the very next day it will be over, and they will begin a new phase. And the cycle will start over again.’ She was totally right! Even now, years later, when I think I can’t take another day of my boys calling me bro, I rest easier knowing it’s almost over.” — Sarah B.

“You’re going to make some mistakes. You’ll need to forgive yourself.” — Errol W.

“This applies primarily to teenagers: Show me your kid’s friends, and I will show you their future.’” — Jared B.

“Use your ‘mother’s intuition.’ It usually is right on the money, whether it’s about a medical thing or whether your kid should really go to that sleepover. Trust your gut.” — Mary G.

“When you have made a careful decision, stick to it and explain it. If down the line you change that decision, explain why to your kids. I think that helped my daughters think for themselves.” — Peg M.

“The thing that’s always stuck with me is a joke a stranger told me in passing: ‘Don’t worry, it gets easier after the first 40 years.’ lol” — Audrey K.

“It’s not about you.” — Beth M.