Mother Knows Best: Advice, Tips & Life Lessons

At Fenimore Lane, Mother's Day always gets us thinking about the women who inspire, nurture, and shape us — and the small pieces of wisdom they pass down along the way. We loved hearing from tastemakers we admire about the best advice they'd received from the mother figures in their lives, so we’re bringing Mother Knows Best back for another year. From entertaining tips and life mottos to treasured family traditions, the advice they shared is heartfelt, timeless, and full of love. We hope it brings a little extra warmth and inspiration to your Mother's Day celebrations this year — and beyond.

---

What is one piece of advice your mom or mother figure has given you that you always have in the back of your mind?

Annie Meyers-Shyer & family

“‘You get what you give.’ The more love, time, energy, and presence you pour into your kids, the more you're fueling their little tanks. You might not see the results immediately, but over the years, it all adds up in the most beautiful ways.” -Annie Meyers-Shyer, This Oak House

“Take the trip! Eat the cake!” - Abby Ward, Art Director

“‘This too shall pass’ began with my grandmother, but over the years, it’s become something of a family motto—a gentle reminder that even the hardest moments don’t last forever.” - Allie Resor, Lee Ann Thornton Interiors

“Kindness… integrity… loyalty and how you make people feel in your home leave a lasting impression like nothing else.” -Rhiannon Hageman, Hageman Homes

“When it comes to raising your children, put in the hard work early, it will pay off with wonderful adults down the road.” -Lee Ann Thornton, Lee Ann Thornton Interiors

Sophia Demirtas & family

“Don't go to bed mad.  This felt old-fashioned when she first told me, but if you and your partner can get your mess cleaned up by bedtime, chances are your day will have a much better start.” -Jamie Meares, Furbish Studio

“We are our children’s guide, and as such we should allow them to find their way without imposing our fear on them.” -Sophia Demirtas, Fanm Mon

“Treat everyone with respect and kindness, and this means everyone. I carry this around with me each and every day, and it’s codified in our family values, posted on our refrigerator so that our children see it too. The other piece of advice, or better yet, guiding principle, is do the right thing, even when no one is looking.” -Erin Jensen, Co-Founder, Timo and Violet

“Always be kinder than necessary and be kind to everyone.” -Dana Small, Dana Small Designs

As a mother, what is one piece of advice you can give to others?

Alexandra Kaehler & family

“Delegate!! The expression ‘it takes a village’ couldn’t be more applicable. Ask for help. You are no less of a mother with people assisting you. That village will love and care for your children, and the more people who love your children, the better! -Alexandra Kaehler, Alexandra Kaehler Design

“Mother knows best. Trust your instincts. Tune out the noise and do what feels right for you. Everyone has an opinion, but at the end of the day, you know your child best.” -Annie Meyers-Shyer

Coley Hull & her Mom

“Don't sweep up the goldfish crackers or karate chop the pillows for the playdates. Save your energy. The mom-friends you'll want to keep around forever would think the fuss is silly anyway.” -Stephanie Sabbe, Sabbe Interior Design 

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Raising kids is A LOT, whether you're a stay-at-home mom or working outside the home. Everyone needs a break, and taking care of yourself and your marriage will make you a better parent in the long run.” -Coley Hull, Coley Home

“Your children will never forget how you made them feel. It’s not just about what you do, it’s how you do it that brings your children joy and comfort.”  -Abby Ward

“Just know that the children you raise will one day become your best friends, and everything you do for them informs their future. Stay disciplined, stay loving, and stay patient.” -Lee Ann Thornton

“You never knew how crucial alone time was until you have none of it, ever.” -Jamie Meares

Dana Small & family

“Let your children into the kitchen with you. Some of the sweetest memories are made while stirring batter, setting the table, or waiting for water to boil. It might be slower, a little messier, but it’s worth it. Cooking together isn’t just about making a meal, it’s about building connection, confidence, and the quiet joy of doing something side by side.” - Ronit Weinberg, Co-Founder, Timo and Violet

“Patience, patience, patience. Moms need to learn how to juggle so many things when raising a family. Whether you have one child or a school bus full, patience and balance are so important.” -Dana Small

“Breathe! When I get frustrated, I remind myself to take a few deep breaths. Whatever is frustrating to you at the moment is likely not frustrating to those around you.” -Erin Jensen

Did you receive any “first-time mom” tips that you pass on to other new moms now?

Abby Ward & family

“My friend Jillian Eversole said it perfectly: Lead with your heart and trust your gut. Also, make time for yourself — the littlest things, like taking a shower or going for a walk, can turn a whole day around.”  -Abby Ward

Erin Jensen & family

“The days are long, but the years are short. I can’t stress this enough, as my oldest recently turned fourteen, and when I look at him, I still see the giggling baby bouncing in his jumper in our first home. I have three sons, ages 14, 12, and 6. Having such a large gap between my older sons and our youngest has given me the perspective to appreciate the good as well as the not-so-good. I try to soak up the sweet moments of reading in bed together, or picking him up in a tight hug! I cherish every day we have with sweet little (sometimes sticky) hands, because there’s going to be a day when you learn that you can no longer pick him up. Try to enjoy it all!! It’s truly life’s greatest gift.” -Erin Jensen

“Consistency is key. Children thrive on it.” -Lee Ann Thornton

“Just let them dress themselves. It's a mom-flex, promise.” -Stephanie Sabbe

“Before you could figure one stage out, things would move on to the next, and it would be totally different.”  -Jeanie Meares

“I would recommend getting as much sleep as you possibly can when your baby is sleeping, don't be so hard on yourself if you can't get it all done, and make time for a date night with your significant other. Even if you are just setting the dining room table for two and having a romantic night at home after the kids have gone to sleep. And I am a big believer in a schedule.  I have twins, and moms of multiples know how important a schedule can be.” -Dana Small

Working mom life – how do you balance it all?

Rhiannon Hageman & family

“Impossible! But being present, and reminding myself daily that I have a whole lifetime ahead of me for my career, but little children just a few years, keeps me that way.” -Rhiannon Hageman

“Balancing it all must be a myth! I try to be as flexible as possible and do my best to be completely present in the moment, whether I am with my children or at work. Getting up at 5 am helps!” -Abby Ward

“Planning and staying ahead of schedules is key! I also have an incredible nanny who helps me during the week. I couldn't do it without her.” -Coley Hull

“Is there such a thing as balance as a working mom? Please share your wisdom if you’ve found it! All jokes aside, I don’t have balance, but what I do have are multiple things that bring me a lot of happiness, and I try to find places for all of them. Sometimes, I do better than others, but I try to give myself grace.” - Alexandra Kaehler

“Working mom life isn’t about doing it all at once!  Make sure to hire an amazing caregiver who drives and makes a few friends for carpools. You can’t be in two places with your whole heart at the same time. Some days, your energy goes to work. On other days, it goes to your family. And most days, it’s a little bit of both, imperfectly balanced. Presence over perfection.”  - Ronit Weinberg

Stephanie Sabbe & family

“I didn’t begin working full time until my youngest daughter, who is now 25, was 5 years old. I was lucky enough to be working for myself so I could be available after school and for cooking and dinners, and nighttime coziness.” -Lee Ann Thornton

“Guilt management is essential. As much as society insinuates we are super humans, we are not! It takes a village, and knowing that no super mom exists. We are all doing our best!” -Sophia Demirtas

“I balance nothing. Sometimes I'm great, top of the world, sometimes I'm crying in my car for reasons I cannot explain. But, oh, the gift of being able to choose to do all the things. Unlike the single mother who raised me, I chose this, and I am thankful to get to live a life where I am able to do all the things I have ever wanted to do. Even if I am crying in my car sometimes.” -Stephanie Sabbe

“Over the years, I have learned to leave as much work at the office as I can, but when I do bring it home, I make sure it is after dinner, not while watching a movie as a family. I can be a night-owl, so I will work after they have all gone to bed, so I know I can give them my undivided attention when they are awake and my work the focus it deserves when they are asleep.” -Dana Small

If you could have anything this Mother’s Day, what would it be?

Lee Ann Thornton & her daughter, Allie Resor

“A trip with my daughters somewhere warm and relaxing where we could all be together, laughing and making each other feel wonderful.” -Lee Ann Thornton

“A day alone with a book, lots of coffee, and handmade cards from my children.” -Stephanie Sabbe

“A day off! I love my kids more than anything, and I truly cherish my time with them, but a peaceful day of quiet, maybe a massage, and just a little something from The Row? That sounds like the dream!!” -Annie Meyers-Shyer

“It would be such a gift to be with my mom, gram, and my kids. A sunny day and a clean house would be pretty nice, too!” - Abby Ward

“A spa day!” -Coley Hull

“A beautiful sunny day spent outside with my kids (with no fighting!!).” -Alexandra Kaehler

Jamie Meares & family

“My house stays as clean as the housekeeper leaves it for more than 2 hours.” -Jamie Meares

“Technically, I already have. Took a solo trip to St Lucia in April to find a bit of balance and clarity. (Now that my boys are teens, it’s a lot easier to do). But I strongly advise parents to make this a thing. Even if for a few hours, driving to have breakfast out of town alone… DO IT!” -Sophia Demirtas

“The same thing I asked for on Easter: a family hike in the woods, including our dog, Russell. I love spending time with my children on the trails away from cars and phones. For me, it’s the best way to boost endorphins, and I love nothing more than this feeling of togetherness. In today’s fast-paced digital world, I constantly look for moments when we can strip the noise and devices from our lives and just “be.” That’s truly the ethos of my brand, Timo & Violet.” -Erin Jensen

“I would like my family to not talk with their mouths full of food, for just one day, and give me endless hugs and foot rubs!” -Dana Small