From stashing a rainy-day fund in your wallet “just in case” to always taking a jacket even if it looks sunny, Brits reveal the top pearls of wisdom shared by their mums.
A poll of 2,000 adults asked about the advice passed down that has helped them navigate life, such as deep cleaning the house before jetting off on holiday to ensure the homecoming is as pain-free as possible, and keeping a list of important numbers written down, not just on their phone.
As well as to always keep a warm coat in the boot of the car, a loaf of bread in the freezer, and a birthday card in the drawer, “for emergencies”.
And a big area that mums have been able to shed light on was to do with saving energy and other resources.
As 58 per cent confirmed they have been taught invaluable lessons in this area, with this increasing to 78 per cent for Gen Zs specifically.
Common wisdom included air drying clothes instead of using a tumble dryer (24 per cent) and batch cooking meals for the week to save on money, time, and energy (14 per cent).
Along with putting a jumper on instead of the heating (23 per cent), switching sockets off at the wall when not in use (23 per cent), and turning the lights off even if leaving a room for five minutes (26 per cent).
A spokesperson for Utilita, which commissioned the research as part of its award-winning High5 [utilita.co.uk/high5] campaign, which includes how batch cooking where possible could save households up to £52, said: “This Mother’s Day we want to celebrate mums and all their wisdom, especially when it comes to helping their kids stay both financially savvy and environmentally conscious.
“We all know mums are never-ending fountains of wisdom for a range of life advice – from relationships to money.
“But they are perhaps less often acknowledged for the valuable lessons they teach about energy and other resources.”
The strength of mum’s advice is clear from the fact 70 per cent still strictly follow the energy-saving tips bestowed on them.
And even more (77 per cent) agreed that doing so has helped them save money on their energy bills, with 89 per cent saying their mum’s attitude in this area has also helped them to be more energy-conscious themselves.
It’s no surprise, then, that 51 per cent agreed the maternal figures in their life are the wisest people they know.
And of those with little ones of their own, 72 per cent have passed down advice they’ve received to yet another generation, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
But with or without kids, 23 per cent find themselves repeating their mum’s words of wisdom to those around them on at least a weekly basis.
Maternal advice is also trusted by 79 per cent of Brits, beating dads (68 per cent), siblings (64 per cent), and even best friends (77 per cent).
Which may be because 52 per cent realised their mum was right about everything, just like she said she was, as they grew up.
And when asked what piece of advice stayed with them the most, the winner was the evergreen guidance of ‘if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all’.
These were also the words most often passed down to the next generation, beating other slogans such as ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’, ‘if you’re not sure about something, sleep on it’, and the timeless and always appropriate, 'if in doubt, make a cup of tea’.
Utilita’s spokesperson added: “There is so much to thank our mums for every single day, but especially on Mother’s Day.
“A big thank you from us to every mum for always considering the little things that can end up making a huge difference.”
TOP 30 PEARLS OF MATERNAL WISDOM:
1. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all
2. If you don’t ask, you don’t get
3. Put money aside on payday before you start spending
4. Keep spare cash in your wallet, “just in case”
5. If you’re not sure about something, sleep on it
6. Don’t go to bed angry
7. Keep a spare set of house keys with someone you trust
8. Don’t go to someone’s house empty-handed
9. Never borrow money from your friends
10. Lay your clothes out the night before so you’re not rushing to get ready in the morning
11. Always take a jacket even if it looks sunny
12. Keep a list of important numbers written down, not just on your phone
13. Keep a basic first aid kit in the bathroom cupboard
14. Put your keys in the same place every day so you don’t lose them
15. Deep clean the house before you go on holiday, to make coming home easier
16. Always have a birthday card in the drawer “for emergencies”
17. Never do the food shop when you’re hungry
18. Always have emergency snacks on a long journey
19. Always have your phone fully charged before you go out
20. Always carry a bottle of water with you
21. Pack a snack in your bag so you’re not “spending silly money”
22. Never send a text when angry
23. Always have a loaf of bread in the freezer
24. Fill up with petrol before the light comes on
25. If in doubt, make a cup of tea
26. Always keep a warm coat in the boot in case the car breaks down
27. Always print paper tickets in case your phone runs out of battery
28. Never make big life decisions on an empty stomach
29. Never leave the house without an umbrella, even if it’s sunny
30. Return a borrowed car with a tank full of petrol
