The biggest secret about parenting is that none of us knows what we're doing. We have instincts to feed, clothe, shelter, and love our kids. But beyond that? We're all just winging it. Here are some mistakes all new moms make: 1. Giving our kids loud toys If you get your kids hooked on toys with buttons, lights, and sounds, that's all you'll hear during playtime. Now we understand the resurgence of wooden toys and cloth dolls.