From always having wipes or a second outfit on hand to enjoying each phase of life, local moms offered advice on motherhood and more this week. Here is a collection of some of the tips and encouragement that was shared with us.

Lisa provided this advice, " Mom of a tween and teen - best advice - they need you just as much as when they were babies... the hugs, the sitting together, singing, and talking, and just being together. Don't miss this opportunity because they can do it themselves - grasp the opportunity to grow that connection!"

New mom Sam offered, "I'm a first-time mom of an almost 7-month-old. My word of advice to new mommas is don't worry if you don't know what you're doing. Your new babe has no idea you've never done this before either, you'll figure it out together. And time really flies by, so cherish every single moment of every day because they really do grow too quickly."

Lorraine says, "I have 4 grown kids, 1 granddaughter. My advice is, love your kids, no matter what's going on. Grandchildren, yes spoil them BUT parents of the child call the shots. You raised your kids, let your kids raise theirs. But never, NEVER undermine them. By all means, give advice but, parents need to do what they feel is right in the best interest of the child, as long as the child is safe and healthy."

Dineen said, "I’m a mom of a 9-, 7- & 4-year-old. My advice is to not expect or demand too much for their age…don’t forget how little they are. Let them be kids. Teach them how to be respectful but strong. Spend as much quality time as you can with them. Hug them, kiss them, make sure they know how much they’re loved."

Barbara commented, " I am a mother and a grandma, and for me, my advice is to never take anything for granted, spend every day enjoying the ride whether it's a good or not so good day. They grow up so fast, make LOTS of memories, laugh, joke, and watch them grow up and love them always to the moon and back."

Ashley provided this wise advice, "My daughter is 1.5 years old, and I also run a home daycare with kids ranging in age from 1 to 4! My best advice would be don’t compare children to one another! They all develop differently. My other top advice would be starting consequences/discipline early truly helps them develop and understand!"

Gina had these encouraging words, "For the teens, be open to talk about everything and anything. Don't be judgmental, be strong, love hard, be their one person they can count on. For the littles...seriously don't blink. Soak them in. Breath them in. Watch them. Enjoy them. Stare at them. Love them. Watch their eyes light up with excitement, have fun and be silly with them. Dance with them, sing with them, be alive with your kids. They are precious and a blessing. Time goes too fast. Yes, some days are hard, and you are valid in how you feel. Just don't stay in that place. You are blessed."

Here’s what Reena offers, “My girls are 10 and 12. My advice would be to always be present and if they want cuddles at night, then do it. Because eventually they won't want them anymore.”

Laurie says it is important to be pay attention. “Always, always listen to your children. I mean, really take the time to listen to them and actually hear them. Listen to all the good things that have happened to them in their day and all the bad things that they're upset about. Just being there for them is so important and builds valuable relationships with each of them.”

Theresa talks about motherhood and relationships with grandchildren. “We’ve come through the babies, and we’ve come through the toddlers, and we've come through school and high school and all those great teenage years and such, and now we are expecting our first grandchild in a couple of weeks. So, the conversations are now changing with the parents-to-be. We've been told that ‘we will have rules.’ So, we totally get that rule should be in place. Well, grandparents sometimes don't always follow those rules. Am I assured her son that of course we follow those rules. Here's why. You have to respect those parents for their wants for their child. You cannot disrespect the parents to the child, because how is that child supposed to learn to respect their parents as well? And I guess the other piece of that pie is I want to have a long and fun relationship with my new grandbaby. So, if I show respect to the parents, that baby also will show respect to Grandma and Grampa, but sometimes you can slightly bend those rules, of course.”

Happy Mother's Day from SteinbachOnline