On this Mother's Day, let's take a moment to appreciate those people who give us advice we can REALLY use.
Every week on TODAY, Kathie Lee and Hoda celebrate new babies and share new parents' words of wisdom. Here are a few good "been there, done that" parenting ideas from moms in the know.
Natalie Morales: “Be sure to make time for yourselves as a couple... take time to check in, talk to one another, and to romance each other. Having kids and starting a family are amazing and so much joy, but they can be all consuming if you allow it. So take care of yourselves in order to be better parents to your kids.”
And who better to turn to for advice this Mother's Day than Michelle Duggar, mom of many and star of TLC's reality series, "19 Kids and Counting"? As a devout Christian, it's no surprise that Michelle turns to a favorite Bible passage, Proverbs 31, which reads in part, "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies....Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."
"In time to come," Michelle stresses. So when you're in the thick of having small children, a messy house, piles of laundry... you may not be rejoicing right then. But have faith: Now that her children are getting older, she says, "I really am reaping the joy of it all. All the demands on us are worth it in those moments of joy."
Another piece of Duggar advice: Reach out and support another mom. Your words of wisdom, or just encouragement, could be just what another mother needs.
"When I see a mom at the grocery store with little ones, maybe carrying one on her back and two in the cart and just trying to get everything done, I'll go up and I'll tell her, 'Hey, you're doing a great job. These are some of the best days of your life, and you don't even realize it.'"
Of course, when it comes to advice, mother knows best. So we asked celebrities to weigh in with the best advice they've received from the highest authority — their own moms.
Hoda Kotb: "She was sort of the never-give-up kind of mom — the two pom-poms cheering you on," says TODAY’s Kotb. "And she truly made me believe I was good at everything, which is frightening. She was like, 'You're beautiful,' when I was a teenager. I was like, 'I have frizzy hair, stop-sign glasses, a weird name and nobody's asking me out!' But she had that way of making you feel like you were something special."
Bill Rancic: “My mom taught me a lot. I think for one, she taught me never to give up," reveals Rancic about his mom, Gail. "My mom is a persistent person. She raised four kids and has always been someone who has been willing to fight for us and do everything to work as hard as she possibly could. She also taught me about a good work ethic."
Melissa Gorga: “My mother taught me to make sure your house is always a happy one. The rest will fall into place,” says the Real Housewives of New Jersey actress.
Kristen Bell: The "Frozen" star's mom's advice was short and nutritionally on target – “Eat a very colorful plate."
Candice Bergen: Her mother Frances died in 2006, but Bergen always remember her words of advice, “Be considerate of people."
Kristen Chenoweth: “There's a phrase that my Mom shared with me: "Good morning, this is God. I will be handling all your problems today so I won't be needing your help.'"
Kathy Wakile: "My mom taught me so many things. But I’d have to say the best thing she taught me is: To be a good mother is to be a good listener. And how to be a good wife is to be a good listener," says Real Housewives of New Jersey star Kathy Wakile. "And just be there for your family. It was never a spoken word, just through example. She was just always there for us and still is. She just gives you her whole heart, so I’ve had a great teacher."
Jessica Simpson: TODAY ran into Jessica and her mom together, leading to a duet version of maternal words of wisdom. "Well, she's here with me. Mom, what's the best advice you ever gave me?"
Tina Simpson: "Just be yourself."
Jessica: "Be myself...and mix and match."
Tina: "Mix and match? Oh, fashion advice?"
Jessica: "I'm taking it to fashion! But, as far as being a woman, making the decision for myself and not allowing other people's judgments to weigh in on it."
Happy Mother's Day, everyone!