17 Perspectives on Motherhood To Inspire You

We asked 17 girl moms whose daughters range from preschool to teen for the best advice they have ever received on their motherhood journey and the best advice they would give based on their own experiences. Here are some of our favorite nuggets; we hope you find some inspiration for your journey!

Alexis Maycock, Motherhood Menageries

Stay present. Stages and ages fly fast. Savor each stage and age. And lastly, be a student of my own children. As they grow, you should be growing.

Alice Faggi, Nuggetlands

Remember that every child is different. As a mom of two girls, I am constantly reminded that what works for one, won’t work for the other and that I need to model to them the kind of woman I hope they become and provide the space and love for them to flourish and discover what makes them unique.

Anitra Durand-Allen, TheMomOnTheMove

No one will care for your children the way you do. Not daycare, not grandparents, not even their other parent. And that’s OK. As long as they’re happy, healthy, and unharmed a break from the norm won’t hurt them.

Sara LaFountain, TV Chef

My best advice to share is to keep open communication with your children. Today that might be by text, video chat, or even Snapchat messages. Kids will need ways to communicate, and as a Mom, I try to meet them in the middle.

Christine St. Vil, MomsNCharge

I’ve learned to embrace letting go of the supermom cape and being unapologetic about it. I don’t pretend to do anything on my own. I’ve had to lean on my village and support system to do the things I get to do on a daily basis. Ask for the help you need. We all need it. It doesn’t make you any less of a mom if you hire a cleaning service, order takeout several times a week, or have to miss a game or two because you’re trying to build a legacy for your children. They are watching your actions more than they are listening to your words.

Whitney Fleming, Her View From Home

Accept that you will make a million mistakes every day, and your kids will forgive you every time. They truly appreciate when you try to be a great parent, whatever that means to you. Everything else is gravy.

Rhonda Richards-Smith, Therapist

Your own self-care is the best gift you can give to your children. Through observation, they will learn how to care for themselves and that they’re worthy of it.

Corinn Schmitt, Wondermom Wannabe

To inspire kids to work hard, get good grades, and be kind to others, emphasize the importance of living their life to keep as many opportunities available for as long as possible. Their opinions and personalities will change and develop over time, so rather than trying to hone in on their purpose early, teach them how doing well in all things they apply themselves to gives them more options. This way, they’ll explore a variety of paths, increasing their chances of finding the one that is truly right for them AND it gives them the ability to change paths later if their needs or interests pivot.

Crystal Duffy, Author

“Enjoy them when they are little, they grow up fast.” I heard this countless times over the past seven years, and I dismissed it. But I have been so busy trying to launch my new career that truly the last five years have flown by. I’m trying to be mindful of the time and be present in the moment. I often stay up late after my girls have gone to bed to work or catch up on chores, because I try to prioritize those precious hours we have together after school and before bedtime. In the beginning, there are so many bath-times and bedtimes, but as they grow, they become more independent and do more on their own. So soak in those moments when they are little and need you.

Tracy Cutchlow, Zero To Five

Children are meant to be who they are. I think this is the most important concept that we as parents can let sink in. We are not in charge of an outcome. We are not meant to control another person. We are not doing a job with the title “behavior management consultant.” What’s one of the most profound things you can say about the dearest people in your life? That they bring out the best in you — by seeing your strengths, being on your side, and truly accepting you as you are. That’s who we can be for our children, in service of helping them be who THEY are. Coach. Mentor. Guide.

Kelly Pugliano, Eat Picks

Take time outside of “family time” for fun. Go to breakfast once a week or manicure or something that will allow you to talk freely as friends vs. parent.

Elisha Beach, The Mom Forum

Lean into the chaos. Each stage brings about different successes and challenges. Don’t fight it. From the four-year-old tantrums to the grade school drama, to the 13-year-old hormones, to the complicated high school relationships, to them striking out on their own. Just accept that it doesn’t get easier and lean into the chaos.

Erin Prather Stafford, Girls That Create

Know that your best will always be enough. Nobody is perfect at this parenting thing, we’re all just trying to do our best with what we have.

Jeannette Kaplun, Hispana Global

The best advice I received was to listen to all the advice everybody offers, whether you have asked for it or not, and then do what you think is best for your family. I think this applies to everything in life. Instead of trying to disprove others’ opinions, even if you have facts to back up your position, it saves you so much energy in life to not get angry but rather continue to do what you think is best. Our energy and time become so limited when we’re raising children; it’s best to use them wisely!

Jody Vallee Smith, Author

Raising children can be the biggest spiritual journey if you let it. You are not here to curate their lives, you are here as a guide in this lifetime to help them figure out who they are and why they are here. AND, If you want them to act a certain way, do not tell them to act that way, BE that way.

Michelle Garrett, Divas With Purpose

Each child is an individual and needs their own one-on-one time. Those times don’t need to be big productions. They can simply be morning cuddles or evening walks together. Let each child know they are loved, special, and unique in your eyes.

Jennifer Hester, Houston Moms Blog

The best advice I have ever received was from my mom – that I would know my girls better than anyone in the whole world and to trust what I know about them.