They say a mother knows best and according to new research, Americans would agree.
A survey of 2,000 adults who were asked, ‘What is the best advice you’ve ever received from your mother?’, revealed nuggets of wisdom, from relationship direction to general life guidance.
Some of the most treasured wisdom from mothers included: Don’t let bad people get you down, be yourself, try and find positives in any situation, be kind to others, trust in the Lord and never give up.
Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty
But why does advice from moms tend to stick with us? Dr Bridget Jones, a licensed clinical psychologist, told Newsweek she’s usually the first guide for right and wrong.
“Children look to their mothers to give them some understanding of how to navigate the world: to tell them what is safe, what is the best decision, what is the ‘good’ thing to do,” Dr Jones said.
Mothers also shape a child’s understanding of relationships, emotions, social skills and stress management through both words and actions.
These lessons create “core memories” that influence how a child views the world, continuing into adulthood, Dr Jones explained.
“As a child’s brain develops, the lens through which their mother views the world tends to become the lens through with the child views the world. Importantly, this does not stop in childhood but rather travels with a person into adulthood too.”
Dr DJ Moran, psychologist and associate professor, director of clinical training at Touro University School of Health Sciences, explained that this early bond shapes our perceptions of safety, trust and meaning.
“When advice is delivered within that powerful relationship, it doesn’t land as a casual suggestion, it’s infused with emotional significance,” he said. “Even decades later, a single phrase from mom can echo with surprising force because it’s wired into our developmental history and our sense of security.”
Beyond shaping identity, a mother’s wisdom can also influence decision-making into adulthood.
“Whether it’s ‘think before you act’ or ‘wear clean underwear’, these phrases shape how we judge our choices, what we value and even how we talk to ourselves,” Dr Moran said.
In later life, adults tend to face stressors and important decisions as they age, such as whether to marry, take a job or move. These can be difficult because there is often no clear answer.
“When an individual asks their mother for advice, what they are really saying is, ‘I don’t know what to do, I need you to give me direction or tell me the right decision to make or tell me how to feel’,” Dr Jones told Newsweek.
“In a world of unknown, a mother’s advice can feel like an anchor to hold on to. Therefore, a mother’s opinion holds significant weight,” she said.
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by Woodhouse Spas and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 6 and March 10, 2025.
