My mum recommended a cure for a cold: go to bed with a good man and a good book and throw the book away. It didn't cure the cold but you sure forgot about it. Tracey Huber, Luton

I can remember clearly, when I was about five years old, I fell down and burst into tears. My mother stood still and said: “Stand up, my girl, I know you can.” After that she wiped my eyes and told me: “Be a brave girl, I will stand by you.” She never says, "I love you" to me, but she gives me so much and devotes her all her life to me. Jiang Jie, China

My mum has always been very impressed with people who look attractive. When my marriage broke up, when I was 37, her words of comfort were: "Hurry up and find a man before your looks go!" Oh very consoling. Lucky for me I’ve got brains as well, and decided not to grab the first one to come along. I've since discovered that men are quite easy to find - it's getting rid of them that's harder. Jill Paget, Dundee 

Tell the truth and always wear clean underwear. Richard Fox, London

My mother told me that a couple should never split up in the first year after the birth of a child, as it takes such a long time to adapt to the huge change in your lives. If you still can't get on, then fine, but after a year you may be beginning to catch up on sleep and are in a better frame of mind to be rational. Extremely useful advice for my husband and I after the births of both children. Alice Wheeler, Balfron, Scotland

My mum is a fount of support in my life. If I'm unhappy with something I recall two pieces of advice she would give me: health is the only thing that matters, without it you can't do anything. And: all you can do is try your best - which although it is often said, makes me question whether or not I did try my best, and means I pick myself up and try harder the next time. Iain Dobson, Isle of Lewis

My mother have always told me to save money and that when I grew up I would learn the its real value. Now that I am working, and a mum as well, I understand what she meant. I wish I had listened to her. Marylord Jones, Southeast London

Unlike Mavis McLaren's mother, my mother taught me: “To avoid getting into trouble, cross your legs!” Carol Chidley, Chorley, Surrey

My mother always taught me to moisturise all over. Everyday. She is now in her sixties and look at least ten years younger. I'm in my thirties and have always followed this advice and people have always commented on my soft skin. Samantha Masters, Welwyn-Garden-City

My mum taught me the most valuable thing in my life: that the bad things in life should make you better not bitter. Sian Stokes, Coventry, West Midlands

My mother taught me about the benefits of imagining I was a big red jelly. When entering a room, stand tall, walk with a sway in your step and make sure you look desirable, if not a little edible. If ever someone has something negative to say, absorb the information and use it to grow bigger as an individual (or jelly). Thinking like a jelly will ensure that your childhood innocence is never lost and will always put a smile upon your face. Name and address withheld

Since this is a food related competition, I thought I'd mention the advice Mum gave to me about cooking. "When it's brown it's done, when it's black it's buggered!" Although I'm sure she meant “burnt”. Gwyn Leyshon, Crewe

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