Moms reveal what parenting advice they would give themselves if they could go back in time

Nine in 10 moms said being a mother is both the hardest and the most rewarding thing they’ve ever done, according to new research.The survey of 2,000 moms with a child between the ages of 1–6 found 93% of respondents agreed with this sentiment, recognizing the joy and the challenges that come with being a mother.To help as they navigate motherhood, respondents were asked what advice they’d like to give themselves if they could go back to when their baby was born.“Be brave,” “be patient,” and “the kids need a happy mom, not a perfect one” are all things moms wish they could go back in time to tell themselves.Other helpful tips included a reminder “that your baby loves you unconditionally and you are doing great” — and “it is going to be okay, and the lack of sleep will be worth it.”Another shared, “Give yourself grace — perfection isn’t the goal.

Ask for help, sleep when you can, and know this chaos is love in its purest form.”Commissioned by Sunsweet Growers Inc. and conducted by Talker Research ahead of Mother’s Day, the survey found this advice may come in handy, as nine in 10 moms agreed — no one can ever be 100% prepared to be a parent.When asked what surprised them about being a parent, about a third weren’t expecting the feeling of isolation that can come from being a new mom (35%) or how hard it was to keep up healthy habits for themselves (33%).Part of why it might be hard to maintain healthy habits is because of how different mealtime looks with a little one at home: About a third of respondents’ diet is made up of food originally for their kid.Moms surveyed said about 16% of their diet consists of leftovers from their child (the sandwich crusts left on their plates, other foods they don’t want to eat, etc.), while 17% is made up of snacks they purchased for their child.After having a child, it’s not only their own healthy habits that respondents are worried about: 91% said they want to set their child u...