The 3 Best Parenting Tips I Ever Got — And Why They Stuck

Parenting advice is everywhere — from books and blogs to unsolicited comments at the grocery store. Over the years, I’ve heard my fair share of tips, but only a few truly stayed with me. These three simple pieces of advice reshaped how I think about parenting, and I come back to them often, especially on the tougher days.

1. “Your calm is more powerful than their chaos.”

A fellow parent shared this with me when I was knee-deep in toddler meltdowns. I remember thinking, “Easier said than done.” But over time, I realized how true it was.

When I stay grounded — even when the house is loud, messy, and full of emotion — my kids eventually come back down too. I’ve learned that yelling over the noise doesn’t bring peace, but modeling calm can. It doesn’t mean I never lose my temper, but I try to remind myself: my energy sets the tone.

2. “Connection first, correction second.”

This one came from a parenting workshop I nearly skipped — and I’m so glad I didn’t. The phrase stopped me in my tracks. Too often, I used to jump straight to discipline when something went wrong, especially if I was tired or distracted.

But taking a moment to connect first — a hand on the shoulder, eye contact, a question instead of a command — changes everything. It reminds me that discipline isn’t about control; it’s about teaching. And that starts with relationship.

3. “You’re not raising children — you’re raising adults.”

At first, I didn’t fully grasp this one. But as my kids have grown older, it’s hit me more and more. The goal isn’t just to get through the next tantrum or homework battle. It’s to raise kind, capable humans who can navigate the world one day without me.

So now, I try to think long-term. I let them solve more problems on their own. I involve them in real conversations and decisions. And I remind myself that mistakes are part of the learning — for them and for me.

I don’t always get it right. None of us do. But these three tips have anchored me in the messy, beautiful work of parenting. They help me zoom out when I get stuck in the moment — and remember what really matters.