For Moms, From Moms: 15 Awesome Pieces of Parenting Advice

Between the parenting books, websites (ours included!), and well-meaning friends, family, and even strangers, the amount of advice that new moms are exposed to can become altogether overwhelming. In an effort to streamline the words of wisdom down to the only ones you really need to hear, we went straight to the source — our own readers — to learn the best tidbits and tricks that they live and parent by. Here, check out 15 of our favorites.

Snuggle Up
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Snuggle Up

"Get in bed with them for a few minutes when they are troubled about something. Turn off the lights and listen to them. They will spill their guts in the dark and things will be much better for them in the morning." — Melinda Gaulden

Live in the Moment
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Live in the Moment

"At the end of the day, if you have to choose between cleaning the dishes or spending a few more minutes with your family, always choose family. The dishes will always be there tomorrow. We never know when our family won't be. Be OK with dirty dishes." — Erin Edie Bonaventure

Be an Original
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Be an Original

"Don't listen to anyone else's advice. Create your own." — Stephanie Levitt

Make Memories
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Make Memories

"Take a picture every day, because they change by the day!" — Sandy Fautas

Celebrate the Small Things
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Celebrate the Small Things

"Celebrate the little victories. When I found out my son was autistic, I really took this advice to heart, and love every minute with him." — Kelly Cathleen Johnson

Be Confident
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Be Confident

"Every mother needs help from time to time. It doesn't make you weak, it makes you a stronger, better mother." — Stephanie DeMarzo

You Count, Too
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You Count, Too

"Love your children with everything you have, but never stop loving yourself!" — Melissa Wright

In Due Time
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In Due Time

"Everything gets easier after they hit the 6-month mark. Great advice for a parent in the weeds of having a newborn!" — Maureen Szente

Guilt, Begone
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Guilt, Begone

"Don't burden yourself with the inevitable guilt. Take what you know and make the best choice for you and your child, and know that doing the best you can is good enough." — Danielle Dietlin Mendoza

Take It Easy
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Take It Easy

"Sleep when the baby sleeps! Laundry, cleaning, and that missed phone call will be there when you both get up!" — Joslin Irene Potter

Mother Knows Best
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Mother Knows Best

"Don't sweat the small stuff, and don't let other moms make you feel guilty. Your decisions are what is right for your family." — Erin Watson

One of a Kind!
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One of a Kind!

"You know your baby. Trust you instincts and ignore advice from others. One size does not fit all!" — Janice Beswick Beaumont

Relax and Enjoy the Ride!
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Relax and Enjoy the Ride!

"Breathe, this phase will also pass." — Jessica Lynn Titus

It Takes a Village
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It Takes a Village

"It's OK to ask for help. You don't have to go at it alone." — Kristi Sannar