The ABC's of Parenting

No on ever said being a mom was easy. In fact, that's the last word people would use to describe the role. But that doesn't stop us from wishing that our tasks were as simple as, say, the ABC's. Sure it's silly; taking care of a child will never be as easy as memorizing and reciting the alphabet (forwards or backwards). But there are still some tips that can make parenthood less of a challenge. From A to Z, here are 26 pieces of advice to help moms and dads get through the next 18 years and beyond.

Accept that things won't always go as planned.
Flickr user Spencer Finnley

Accept that things won't always go as planned.

The minute you do, the stress disappears.

Breathe before you react.
Flickr user Mateus D

Breathe before you react.

Those few seconds give you time to gather your thoughts.

Channel your inner child.
Flickr user Esther Gibbons

Channel your inner child.

It makes playtime much more fun for you and your little one.

Don't cry over spilt milk.
Flickr user Steve Lacey

Don't cry over spilt milk.

Unless it's breast milk you just spent an hour pumping. Then you can cry.

Enjoy the little moments.
Flickr user seandreilinger

Enjoy the little moments.

There's something so special about reading with the kids.

Forget what you read in the parenting books.
Flickr user Blyth Scott Photography

Forget what you read in the parenting books.

One method doesn't work for everyone.

Give them boundaries.
Flickr user alessandropinna

Give them boundaries.

Setting rules helps them remember that you are a parent first and a friend second.

Have a sense of humor.
Flickr user Theresa Martell

Have a sense of humor.

It's the only way you'll make it through the next 18 years.

Invest in a nice bottle of wine.
Flickr user Michael E.

Invest in a nice bottle of wine.

There will be days that you need a strong drink.

Just go with the flow.
Flickr user StephenandMelanie

Just go with the flow.

Otherwise you miss out on some amazing moments.

Kiss and hug them as often as you can.
Flickr user The National Guard

Kiss and hug them as often as you can.

Because there may come a time when you can't.

Listen to them.
Flickr user miguelp001

Listen to them.

If your child feels like they can't talk to you, then your relationship is doomed.

Make time for yourself.
Flickr user w0ld

Make time for yourself.

Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee or having a moms' night out, doing stuff that makes you happy will in turn make the kids happy.

Own up to the fact that you can't do it all.
Flickr user liikennevalo

Own up to the fact that you can't do it all.

And once you do, accept some help!

Practice patience.
Flickr user YT Blue

Practice patience.

Kids can be difficult to deal with, and losing your cool won't make it any easier.

Quit trying to be perfect.
Flickr user jeffbalke

Quit trying to be perfect.

Because nobody is!

Remember that parenting is a learning process.
Flickr user Teru Kaleru

Remember that parenting is a learning process.

You won't have all the answers right away, and that's OK.

Say "I love you" every day.
Flickr user enduringessence

Say "I love you" every day.

Your child needs to know you'll always care.

Teach them to be good people.
Flickr user Joris Louwes

Teach them to be good people.

It's the most important lesson they'll learn.

Visit grandparents and create a family connection.
Flickr user S P Photography

Visit grandparents and create a family connection.

Not to mention your own mom and dad make the best babysitters.

When in doubt, pop in a Disney movie.
Flickr user Barb Watson

When in doubt, pop in a Disney movie.

Animated creatures and annoyingly catchy tunes can calm any tantrum.

eXperience fun family adventures.
Flickr user artolog

eXperience fun family adventures.

Life isn't meant to be boring.

Yell into a pillow whenever you feel stressed.
Flickr user CarbonNYC

Yell into a pillow whenever you feel stressed.

It's better than taking things out on your child.

Zestfully approach life.
Flickr user lonfong

Zestfully approach life.

Hopefully your child will inherit, and pass down, that same attitude.