Here's the Best Advice You Never Asked For But Are So Glad You Got!

Unsolicited advice. It’s a guarantee you’re going to get it when you have a child, along with stretch marks and sleep deprivation.

But sometimes the advice you didn’t want turns out to be the advice you actually need.

Need proof? Check out some of these pearls of wisdom that actually make the world a better place. A massive thanks to our amazing Mum Central community for sharing the best advice they got and never forgot.

Now, we should also mention that this advice is just meant to be a bunch of tips and tricks – mum to mum. Remember the golden rule – if you don’t agree, then don’t take the advice. Just keep scrolling.

Cleaning tips

“Clean bathroom windows with shaving foam, prevents them fogging up.”
“Fly spray on glass to remove the gum leftover from sticky tape – easier than eucalyptus oil.”
“Hand soap (the block kind) gets blood, sweat, body oils out of clothes better than washing liquid!”
“Window cleaner gets nail polish out of the carpet.”
“Every few months run your washing machine through a hot cycle with half a bottle of cheap Coles brand dishwasher cleaner. Cleans all the gunk out.”
“Use sanitiser to clean off white-board (markers). It will look brand new.”
“A microwave-safe bowl of water in the microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes, then left to steam for another 5 minutes, wipes off anything that’s crusted on inside.”

Pro-parenting pearls

“It’s okay to let them cry for a little bit. Sometimes it’s what they need.”
“Drinking a bottle of wine drowns out the kids’ noises.”
“Use a clean nappy to hide your keys and phone at the beach. No one will touch what they believe is a dirty nappy!”
“Put the new nappy under the old one before you change the baby.”
“Vaseline on a doorknob stops the kids from getting in.”
“Whether it’s a birthday or a trip to the park, do not tell your under 11 year old about it until 30 minutes before it’s going to happen unless you want to be asked about it every 5 seconds for the next three weeks!!!”
“If you have little kids, never buy assorted coloured cups/plates/bowls. SAVE YOURSELF. BUY 1 COLOUR.”
“With any age child, their needs boil down to the big 5. Comfort, sleep, food, stimulation and love.”
“Single parents out there – you’re doing amazing!! But don’t forget to take time out for yourself even if it’s a 5 min coffee in peace.”

Life hacks

“The 5-minute rule – If it’s going to take you 5 minutes or less to complete a task, go ahead and do it.”
“Always get a grocery cart even if you are just getting a ‘few items’.”
“Only lend out money that you’re ok to not get back. Give it with a mindset that you’re giving it as a gift then if you get it back, great. But if not it’s ok and you’re not going to hold a grudge.”
“Always check for toilet paper before you sit down.”
“Wash your hands well after touching chillies and before going to the toilet after you’ve touched chillies.”
“Use scissors to cut up pizza, especially homemade pizz.”
“Use a slice of bread to pick up broken glass.”
“As my mother always said, “Wash your face and brush your hair, it will make you feel better”.”
“If you have a splinter use a slice of tomato on it, cover with a sock, leave overnight and it comes out.”
“Put a bunch of Gerberas in a room after painting it to absorb the toxins and smell.”

The serious stuff

“Don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t ask for advice.”
“Using your manners doesn’t take any effort or money and can make someone’s day that little bit easier.”
“Think with your heart more often than with your head.”
“Self-care isn’t always candles and a bath. Sometimes it’s just saying no.”
“Don’t make permanent decisions over temporary emotions.”
“Pick your battles, not everything requires a reaction.”
“A home is for free expression, not good impressions.”
“Read the book before the movie. Always.”
“Love all, trust few, but always paddle your own canoe.”
“Don’t be afraid. Today’s fears could be tomorrow’s accomplishments if you just face them.”
“Don’t trust the government.”
“Choose who you spend time with very carefully. You become like those you spend time with.”
“Some mountains are for climbing in life. Others we can admire and move on. None of them should ever be carried…Always check you are not trying to carry what should be climbed.”

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The best advice you didn’t know you needed, but, turns out, you do!

“Listen to Nickleback backwards …It’s just as bad but at least you can’t understand what that guy is trying to sing. You’re welcome.”
“Just cause it zips don’t mean it fits.”
“Always wear clean undies when you leave the house.”
“Never throw a good egg at a rotten person.”
“Life is like a bed of roses. Watch out for the pricks.”
“Nothing good happens after midnight.”
“Don’t be a Wally all your life.”
“Don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff.”
And finally, “Never trust a fart after an iced coffee.”