We asked moms to share the gems they’ve passed on to their own kids:

“I always tell my boys that they can choose to ‘start over’ if they are having a bad day. I suggest a little down time to reflect on their attitude, connections with their siblings or parents, and then after they ‘think about how they really want to feel,’ they can ‘start over.’ They then typically come down stairs, and say, ‘Mommy, I am ready to start over.’ I give them a big hug and say -- then let's do it and have a great day... and we do!”
Tal Fegan, mother of triplets, Chicago, Ill.

“Rules can be broken sometimes, and you need to learn when it is okay to break them.”
Carol Seary, mother of two, Vancouver, BC, Canada

“Start each day with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.  This way, you can have a good day or a bad day -- it's always your choice."   
Jodie Lynn, parenting expert, Wildwood, Mo.

Get more Mother’s Day ideas, including fun crafts and recipes.