The Advice I Didn't Expect from a Less Experienced Mom

Me, as a first time mom 8 years ago on my first Mother's Day
Me, as a first time mom 8 years ago on my first Mother's Day

I went on a little vacation with a couple of girlfriends and our families recently. We've been friends for almost 15 years and while I was the first to enter motherhood over 8 years ago (and 3 kids later!), my two girlfriends are still new to the gig, having just become moms less than 3 years ago, and both with only 1 child. While we experienced moms always have a thing or two to learn as our first borns get older and enter new stages, when it comes to babies, we tend to feel pretty competent and think we know all there is to know (at least I do). Well I was reminded once again, that us experienced moms could always learn a thing or two from fellow moms, and especially from first time moms. Here's why.

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I was discussing teething remedies with one of my girlfriends and mentioned how I was using the same old remedy tablets I had been using since my first born began teething 8 years ago, and I was shocked to hear that there had been an issue with one of the ingredients in those tablets. As an alternative, she recommended I tried an a different remedy that she found to be much more helpful and safer for baby. Experienced mom or not, I was appreciative for this very helpful tip, and realized that sometimes us more experienced moms tend to lean on what we've always used or known with our other children, because it's what we know, and we don't often have time to stay up to date on the latest research and products on the market. I made the switch in products and couldn't be happier!

First time moms tend to have the time and interest in seeking out all that is new, innovative and trendsetting. This goes for everything from new baby products to different parenting methods, sleep training methods and discipline strategies. While our experience is priceless and what will always be our most valuable asset as mothers, new products and research can make our job easier, safer and more fun. I've come to truly appreciate and seek out the advice and tips from my new mommy friends who seem to know all about the latest and greatest thing to try. While I don't always try what's new, it's nice to be kept abreast.

So while us experienced moms will always be able to offer advice and knowledge to those experiencing mommyhood for the first time, remember, that we too could always learn something from them as well. Be open to what knowledge they have to offer, and you just might be surprised at how much you'll learn!

- By Andrea Howe

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