Any parenting tips or advice for first time mothers?

[MJsMommy]

I'm a first time mother and my son is only 6 months and I'd love advice from other parents so I can have a broader perspective of the Parenting Life.

[AdamH1978]

Spare the rod, spoil the child.  J/K, well sort of.  I was spanked a ton when I was a kid and it may have done me well.  I definitely learned that there were unfavorable consequences for making the wrong choice.  Your child is only 6 months so this doesn't relate that well I suppose.  I am not as stern as my parents were, but I clearly make ground rules for my child and there are consequences even if it's not spanking.  Taking the prepaid phone away is the most effective for my 12 year old girl.  I chose a prepaid plan as she knows I can chose to not refill the minutes if her grades or behavior falter.  The two most important things are to show your kid love everyday even if your mad at them and to hold them to high standards.  As long as my child gives her best effort in everything she does I'm happy.  Kids are a blessing and my daughter brings happiness to my life.

[loulizlee]

Remember during all the stages (terrible twos and threes, etc.) - this, too, shall pass.  And above all - LOVE.

[Heather721]

im a first time mom too. what kind of advice are you asking for?

[smithjcsdfw]

The only advice you need is that a parent is on the job training.  Children do not come into this world with manuals or instructions for a reason.  They of course need lots of love nuturing and most of all discipline.  Which translates to a parent needing to have lots of love, discipline and of course and abudant supply of patience.  Best of luck.

[Heather721]

I love being a mom. its the best. my son is amazing as well. he's starting to know the difference between right and wrong because he gets very sad when I discipline him. it's the cutest thing in the world but I have to do it!

[six96hoot]

My son was a angel until a month before his second birthday. Thats when I learned terrible twos are no joke.  I would say patience and I lots of cleaning supplies. Enjoy the baby stage right now though. I had a girl three months ago and I forgot what fun it was seeing them see things or experience things for the first time.

[loulizlee]

The next thing most needed after LOVE is PATIENCE.

[Ele22]

I'm a first time mother and my son is only 6 months and I'd love advice from other parents so I can have a broader perspective of the Parenting Life.

e

[sonicmetal9]

take it from a child himself, try to have a reason for every disciplinary action you take, not just a "because i said so" because it makes us think that you are just doing it to make our lives miserable. im 16 and my mom is like that... tooo many fights because of it

[tzs]

Always remember this.....Kids can be JERKS!!! Its inevitable! How you choose to handle it is where you find out what you are made of!!!!!! When kids get mad~they get MADDDDD!! When they are happy, they are on cloud 9!
Children posess the purest expression of feelings on this planet, but they can also use it to get what they want.

My advice....Give your child the benefit of the doubt....they are smarter than you think they are-especially when they are young. That's why I love my daughter so much, she suprises me everyday!

[shamilton62]

My suggestion is to teach him how to make decisions.  Yes I know he is only 6 months and all too soon he will be testing the waters.  My favorite phrases are;  "When you __ then___"  For example this worked with my granddaughter when she was 18 months old and was trying to run away.  Mary when you walk beyond the chairs then Uncle Drew is going to bring you back.  She understood this and I didn't have to raise my voice.  She did choose after 3 times of saying this to stay behind the chairs.

Other than that, with boys (and I have 3) sit in a stratigic location and watch, you wont be able to keep up with them.

[dgbush]

I am the mother of 3 ages 18, 8, and 4.  I love them all dearly but in different ways!  Having one grown (I call her my experimental child) I have learned a ton.  I think the key is to love them with all your heart but be a parent and not their friend.  They will have friends, they need someone that they can count on to show them the way!

[wiersmak]

Have patience (you'll need it!) and remember to take care of yourself.  I have a son with autism and thats the first lesson I learned.  My son is my treasure, but it gets stressful at times, and if youre not taking good care of yourself and getting a liitle bit of "me" time, than its hard to take care of your loved ones!

Discipline!  My kid may be special needs, but he knows right from wrong and I hold him accountable for his behavior.  Kids will meet the expectations you set as long as youre not asking for perfection and its not unreasonable.

Enjoy your gift.  Time passes fast.

[ULuvCeCe]

Patience, Prayer, Discipline. And if you need to cry once in awhile lol I have a 14 month and there are just days where I am like what did I get myself into, then he gives me that cute little smile and all is well.