It’s true, mothers do know best. In almost every conversation we have with them, they’re giving us some piece of advice, whether they realize it or not, whether we realize it or not. She was right when she told you not to drink too much. She was right about that boy in high school. She's been there; lend her your ear and more importantly, your heart. Biological mother, step-mother, mother-like figure…regardless of the title, she cares about you and she's bound to have countless hours of wisdom for you that she wishes someone told her when she was your age. At times it may seem petty, but please, listen to her. It WILL come in handy someday; whether you’re in a situation yourself, or if you're passing it along to your own children. Here are nine moms and their best words of advice they’ve shared with their children.

“I will have to say, I wish my parents talked to me more about drugs and sex. I have talked to my son about my experiences so that he will (hopefully) learn from my mistakes. I try to be as open and understanding when he comes to me with his questions; I want him to know that he can always come to me (even if I beat him first, then after that we can talk). I always tell him I would rather have him ask me than get his information from his “friends” who are only as knowledgeable as he is! The other day I had an awesome confirmation which made me smile from ear to ear! He said, “I find it easy to talk to you because I understand and because you have that “mom” thing. My heart swelled up.” - Michelle, mother of 3

“I feel like kids’ freedom to be kids has been taken away by our paranoia that is fueled by the constant media reports. Although we need to be informed and we need to teach our kids to be safe and aware of their surroundings, they still need to explore, get outside and create adventures with their friends that they’ll reminisce about when they’re all grown up and raising their own children. I feel as if all of these wonderful things I did as a child are now lost because kids are inside the house and not using their imaginations. My best advice to my children is to get outside and experience all that this beautiful world has to offer.” - Beth, mother of three

“Never go out alone…buddy system!! Never leave your beverage or take a beverage from a stranger. Don’t dwell on the bad things, let it go. Also, don’t be afraid of new things or new people.” - Krista, mother of two

“Go outside your comfort zone; it’s where some of the best things happen. Make mistakes, spend less than you earn and invest!!” - Erin, mother of two

“I always taught my girls that “you are who friends are” — in other words, you hang with kind people, you will be seen as kind; you hang with the fast crowd, that is how you will be seen. I also stressed the fact that you need to be true to yourself; respect yourself and put yourself first no matter the cost or judgement of others.” - Mary, mother of two

“Some advice I have given my kids is to always stand up for themselves. This can be done without getting irate or confrontational with people. I also stress to them that they need to plan ahead for their futures, to do the best they can in school because it will take them far. Being good citizens in the community and helping people in any way that they can also goes along with this.” - Melissa, mother of two

“Don’t sweat the small stuff. When my kids are upset about something, I tell them to sleep on it…everything seems better in the morning…and it usually is. Also, when dating or in a relationship, if you can’t be your complete self with this person, or if they try to separate you from your friends and family, run as fast as you can.” - Vicki, mother of three

“This was extremely moving for me when I shared it with my girls. Nourish your female friendships; you want women in your life who will have your back at parties and will speak up when you’re about to do something you shouldn’t. And you’ll have their back too. Being a part of this kind of posse is a lifelong gift. I think it is especially important when you are going out in college.” - Mary, mother of three

“I’ve always told my kids you can’t move forward if you keep looking back. Love yourself first; if it doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t. Kindness is FREE. Surround yourself with good people; you are better with four quarters than 100 pennies.” - Celeste, mother of two

Keep calm and love moms!