Take it from Vera Farmiga

Vera Farmiga, 39, has cutting-edge parenting tips for Norma Bates, mother of a teenage Norman, whom she plays in Bates Motel, a prequel to the Hitchcock horror classic Psycho, premiering Monday on A&E.

“Mothering does not equal smothering,” says the mom of Fynn, 4, and Gytta, 2.

“It’s seldom as hard to tell the truth as it is to hide a lie, so don’t economize on truth.”

“Conflict between parents and children is not some necessary evil. I think it’s a necessary good — although it will take me another 20 years” to know if that’s right.