Sound Advice

What is some really good advice that you've been given?  Something that you have really taken to heart and used, not just shuffled to the back of you brain Rolodex only to realize too late that you should have actually followed the advice.

Cliches don't count, either.  "Things happen for a reason."?  Not advice.  "When one door closes another door opens"?  Potentially true, but kinda vague.

Let's skip over 'common sense' advice, too.  Everyone knows NOT to: eat the yellow snow, trust a magician or eat undercooked meat.

Being told that your Triple A card can be used for bail (thanks, Dad!) or that expiration dates don't ALWAYS have to be followed, or that allowing a Deaf student to test YOUR hearing with a set of headphones and a volume knob is a bad idea are all good things to know, but not (hopefully) life changing.

When Jay and I were engaged, we met with a friend/financial adviser.  He advised us to do whatever it takes to eliminate any debt BEFORE we got married, and from then on DO NOT use credit cards.  We didn't have much debt...I think Jay just had school loans.  I had just recently discovered the joy of credit cards, but my fear of getting in trouble for not paying the bill in full every month prevented me from having a real credit score.  Apparently, one has to prove herself capable of paying off a debt over time.  Only a few times over the past decade +, have we had to use a credit card.  Sometimes to get a good deal, we've opened a store credit card, but then cut it up once it was paid off.  See?  That was some good advice.

When our Joe was a teeny baby, I was excited and ready for him to make all these huge leaps developmentally....walking, potty training, toddler bed.  When I mentioned a big boy bed, Jay's brother jumped in to say "No!  Leave him in the crib as long as possible...until he can figure out how to get out!"  At first, I didn't get it.  Why would I want him to stay in a crib if he's big enough for a bed???  Freedom, he explained.  If Joe (then Bella, then Trey) can get out of bed, he (she, he) will.  All.  Night.  Long.  You know how you can leave him safely in his crib in the morning while you brush your teeth and get dressed?  If he's in a bed, forget it.  Instead, you'll wake up to a dragon breathed toddler staring at you with frightening intensity.  He was right.  We kept each child in the crib until they were about 3 1/2 and the transition was pretty smooth.  Trey has been the toughest to keep in his bed at bedtime, but even at his worst, he's still so dang funny and cute and only lasts about 15 minutes.  See?  More good advice!

So what's some good advice?