Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned during the course of my life is to always pay attention to my intuition. The times when I’ve been the most unhappy are the times when I ignored the little voice inside. A woman’s intuition is never wrong, and this is especially true for mothers.
In general, I’m not a big believer in books that offer advice for parents. I think too many voices and experts can interfere with my ability to follow my gut. I am the person who knows my kids the best. I can decipher their words, I can predict with perfect accuracy how they will react to any given situation, I know their favorite colors and foods and books. I am the person best able to solve any parenting issues, however large or small they may be.
However, when I found out I was pregnant for the first time nearly 5 years ago, the first thing I bought was What To Expect When You’re Expecting. It was and is the manual for pregnancy for many parents-to-be. I enjoyed how its format answers questions that arise as the months progress, and I appreciated its conversational tone. I often found myself skipping ahead for a sneak peek on what was coming my way. It was an exciting time for me!
I recently found out that there are supplemental books in the What to Expect Series – “What to Expect the First Year” and “What to Expect the Second Year”. I recently received copies of these two titles, and I think I’ll check them out in the coming years now that Vivian is here. It will be fun to compare my personal experience from raising Evie and Mack with the advice in the books. These will sit on my bookshelf next to my tattered copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting.
GIVEAWAY: The folks behind What To Expect would like to give one lucky Homemade Mothering reader a copy of any What To Expect book – the winner’s choice! To enter leave a comment below that answers the question:
What “Words of Wisdom” can you share with other moms?
BONUS ENTRY: Leave the same advice on Homemade Mothering’s Facebook page so everyone can learn from each other: https://www.facebook.com/homemademothering
Contest ends on Sunday, May 13 at 11:59 PM CST.
Homemade Mothering is a movement that aims to simplify life and foster self-reliance while being kinder to our families and the planet. Its about encouraging people to get back to the basics when it comes to mothering and homekeeping. 
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My little guy is only 14 months old, so I don’t have a ton of wisdom other than to ask yourself in every moment, “Are you doing something you would want to be doing when the world ends?” Let me tell you, it sure keeps me accountable for how much time I waste and helps me focus on spending valuable, meaningful time with my family and friends!
Posted on your FB page, too!
My baby boy is 15 months old and my “words of wisdom” would be to breath! Breath in the sweet scent of baby, breath when you feel frustration at the fact that he still isn’t sleeping, breath knowing that you’ll miss rocking him to sleep. It goes by so quick! Remember to enjoy even the “rocky” parts!
I also posted on your FB page.
I’m not a mom yet (three months until I am!), but I heard some good advice recently – layer crib sheet, waterproof mattress pad, crib sheet, and waterproof mattress pad for easy sheet changes in the middle of the night.