Top parenting tips from moms

What is the best piece of parenting advice anyone ever gave you?
Enjoy your children when they are young. Take advantage of the times as youngsters when they want your attention and want to be with you. It seems to fade quickly as they get older.
--Kim, Kentucky

Never say, "My child will never do that," because they will. I had to learn the hard way and eat my words.
--Linda, South Carolina

Do not be afraid to ask for help.
--Jacqui, Virginia

The best piece of parenting advice I have been given would be the fact that, as a mom, you do not know all the answers instinctively. A lot of it is trial and error with a mix of common sense and love.
--Lisa, Oregon

Be consistent.
--Angela, Texas

When you want your children to listen, whisper. When you feel the least loving towards your children is when they need it the most.
--Michelle, Connecticut

Be consistent, whether it be with discipline, routine, or dinnertime together.
--Val, Georgia

Be patient with your children. They want your approval so badly.
--Ronda, Illinois

Take a nap. Let it go. Remember that these years fly and they will never come back. Savour every moment -- even the messy, frustrating, "you've got to be kidding me" moments.
--Rachel, Pennsylvania

Everything always works out for the best eventually.
--Colleen, District of Columbia

Have a sense of humour.
--Joanne, Florida

Take time for myself and also with my husband. It is so easy not to do that and fill the time with other things, but the time spent refilling our own tank and nurturing our marital relationship is more beneficial than you realize.
--Tammy, Minnesota

Do the best I can and accept that.
--Cheryl, Pennsylvania

The housework can wait, but the kids cannot, so always stop first to read a book to them!
--Melissa, Illinois

Before my first child was born, I read in a book that a parent should focus on being a parent and not try to be your child's best friend. That has helped me keep my focus, especially when my kids think I am being the bad guy.
--Rebecca, Missouri

The best piece of parenting advice I got was: "The best thing you can do for your children is to love their daddy!"
--Karen, New York

With kids the days are long, but the years are short.
--Tish, North Carolina

Relax. No parent is ever perfect. Say you are sorry.
--Margaret, Texas

Never take a day for granted, because if you do not make time for your kids, they will grow up before you know it.
--Lora, Virginia

Enjoy every minute, because it goes by too quickly.
--Catrena, Colorado

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Excerpted from Amy Knapp's Family Organizing Handbook by Amy Knapp (Sourcebooks, 2006, $17.95). Excerpted by permission of Sourcebooks. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.