Parents shared the most surprising but best advice

Do not plan to give birth

I know it's tempting to plan every detail of your birth.

But there's one thing: your baby doesn't know what your birth plan is!

And you don't even know it. So why not get carried away and see how things unfold? The more you try to control things in the moment, the more stressed you'll be when things don't go as planned - and that's not good for anyone involved (including you).

Instead of worrying about what might happen during labor, focus on preparing for whatever happens by learning about common complications, such as bleeding or a C-section, so that if occur during childbirth, did not surprise any of the participants.

Children do not follow children's books

Babies don't follow children's manuals. Every child is different and you cannot expect them to behave the same as other children.

Trust your instincts, and if something doesn't feel right to you or your child, don't do it!
There are so many parenting books out there that it's easy to get caught up in reading them before you even have a baby on the way.

But trust us, no matter how many times someone tells you what works for them, it doesn't mean it will work for everyone else - or even your family specifically!

Simply feed the baby

Breastfeeding is the best for your baby and so on. But if you don't breastfeed, don't beat yourself up about it! Actually, it's not that important.

Your baby will be fine whether or not they're breastfed - and if they're not, just feed them formula instead!
Breastfeeding may be best for some moms and their babies, but there are many other ways to feed your baby besides breastfeeding (or even pumping).

You can ensure enough food by offering them different types of food and liquids throughout the day: bottles with expressed milk or formula; glasses full of water mixed with cereal; jars of fruit or vegetable puree... the list is long!

Just make sure that whatever method is best for both mom and baby will ensure adequate nutrition throughout all stages of baby's development.

Stop getting upset

If you have a happy and contented child, don't touch him. Let them be. If your baby has just fallen asleep, let him sleep!
It is not only about physical contact, but also about how much time and energy you devote to your child every day.

The more attention and care you give to your baby, the less time is left for you - and that can be overwhelming at times.
So instead of fretting over your baby (or toddler), try to find some time for yourself: go for a walk around the block; go for coffee with friends; read the article in the magazine if that's what interests you the most right now - you get my point!

Responsibility of siblings

Let the older sibling be responsible for teaching the new child.
Let the kids decide (sometimes). As long as they are not hurting each other, let the siblings work things out among themselves. It sounds like an order, but it is! We all want to be our kids' superheroes and swoop in to save them from every sticky situation, but sometimes it's better for them if we just stay out of their way.

Sometimes that means letting them figure out how best to solve their problems on their own - and that can lead to some pretty interesting results!

Be loud

Sometimes your house will be noisy. You might hear music playing or someone screaming at the top of their lungs. It might even sound like there's a war going on!

But don't worry - it's all part of growing up and learning how to express yourself and have fun with friends. So let them make noise!

Change your focus

The best parenting advice you'll ever hear is: Change your focus.

When your child does something good, pay a lot of attention to that behavior. When he does something wrong, don't pay him any attention at all.

It's not hard - just ignore the bad things and praise the good ones

Take a break

Parenting is hard!

Sometimes it's enough to throw away the pooped underwear or leave the dishes in the sink for a while.

It's okay to take a break when you need one.

Your mental and emotional health is just as important as your child's physical health.

Moms of boys: Stick together

Being a mom of boys can be tough - especially when you're surrounded by moms of girls who don't understand your sons' wild ways.

That's why it's so important to find other moms of boys to connect with.

They will understand!

It's their life

As parents, we want the best for our children.

But sometimes we forget that it's not about us - it's about them.

Let your child live his own life, make his own mistakes and learn from them.

It is not always easy to watch, but it is necessary for their growth and development.

Trust your instincts

You know your child better than anyone else.

Trust your instincts when it comes to parenting decisions.

If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't, and if something feels right, go for it!

Teach them how you think

Teaching a child to think independently is one of the most important things you can do as a parent.

Explain your decision-making thought process to them and encourage them to do the same.

It will help them develop critical thinking skills and become more independent.

Don't forget your sense of humor

Parenting can be stressful, but it's important not to forget to laugh!

A good sense of humor will help you get through even the hardest days.

This too shall pass

When you think you can't handle another day of sleepless nights or tantrums, this phase passes and a new one begins.

Remember, this too shall pass!

You weren't born a perfect parent

No one is a perfect parent.

We all make mistakes and that's okay.

The important thing is to learn from these mistakes and forgive yourself.

Accept who they are

Every child is unique.

Embrace your child's quirks and help them develop their own interests and passions.

Time is the best gift

Your child doesn't need expensive toys or fancy vacations to feel loved.

The best gift you can give them is your time and attention.

Set boundaries

Children can be quite picky when it comes to toys and treats.

Set boundaries early on by explaining why you're there when you go to the grocery store.

If they ask for something that's not on the list, remind them that's not why you're there.

It's really easier

Being a parent is hard work, especially in the early years.

But as your child grows and develops, things really do get easier.

Hold on!