These are the things Irish mothers wish they'd known before having children

Mums, and especially first-time mums, can be floored with the torrents of advice coming their way. In advance of Mother’s Day, Andrea Mara talks to mums, in their 20s-60s, about the advice they wish they’d received and what they did well as parents.

Regrets? I’ve had a few — particularly when it comes to parenting.

Like expecting far too much, far too soon from my first child. Like going back to work too early after every maternity leave. Like taking no videos whatsoever of my poor neglected third child. Like drum-kits and soothers and glitter. But mostly glitter. Do all parents have some regrets? And other things they got spot on? Here, five mothers ranging in age from across all the decade tell their stories.