My Mom’s Words of Wisdom – Mom Was Right!

To quote an oldie, but goodie song…mama said there’d be days like this…and she was right.  Actually, my mom was right about a LOT of things.  (Thanks mom!).

So this one is for you, mom.  A blog devoted to my favorite pieces of advice from YOU.  A collection of some of my favorites…and many that I didn’t understand until I became a mom myself.

My Mom’s Words of Wisdom – Mom Was Right!

Mom Advice #1 – You can never spoil a child with enough love.  

Things, yes.  Love, no.

Mom Advice #2 – Your children will make liars out of you.

Try to avoid using phrases like, “My child would never…” or “My child always…”  No absolutes.  Because they will almost always make a liar out of you!

Mom Advice #3 – Kids crave boundaries.  So set them and stick with them.

You are their parent, their role model, the person they look to for everything.  Whatever you decide is best for your family, stick to it.  You will teach them boundaries, rules, consistency, and love.

Mom Advice #4 – As long as we’re talking about “sticking with something,” be consistent with your boundaries, rules and discipline.  

This is a hard one to always implement.  But do your best.

Mom Advice #5 – Your children’s friends (and their families) will become your friends.

Choose wisely (for both of you).

Mom Advice #6 – When you make a mistake, take responsibility.

Own it.  Apologize.  Make it right.  Move on.  (Love this one.)  Set the example!

Mom Advice #7 – When your kids ask you a HARD question (Which they will.  Multiple times.  Actually, at the worst times possible), always ask them what they think “it” [whatever the topic] is first.  

Don’t panic.  It may be something simple.  My mom LOVES recounting the story that I announced in my kindergarten carpool (to three other five-year-olds) that I knew what sex was.  The carpool mom freaked and called my mom.  Instead of freaking out too, she asked me what I thought it meant.  My sassy five-year-old self smugly said, “kissing.”  Easily explained.  Easy to move on. Thankfully, I was let back into carpool.

Mom Advice #8 – Kids will continually go through emotional growth spurts.

Just when you think you have them figured out, they will move to the next milestone “stage” and you’ll have to start all over again.  This stinks, but it’s true.

Mom Advice #9 – Treat your kids like little people with real feelings.  

The issue they are dealing with may seem little to you now, but to them it is a BIG deal.  Listen.  Talk to them.  Develop that trust.  One day, they will need to talk to you about the BIG things.

Mom Advice #10 – If your child is going through something, no matter how difficult, you need to be right there going through it with them.

Don’t fall back on, “I’m just not ready for this stage yet.”  If they are, you should too. (Gulp.  I have a feeling this will apply more in the tween/teen years.  Which I am not emotionally prepared to deal with yet.).

Mom Advice #11 – Be your child’s biggest advocate.  

If you don’t, who will?  You are their mommy.  You know them best.

Mom Advice #12 – Do as I do, say as I say.

Oh.my.goodness.  This is a BIG one for my mom.  She is all about setting the example.  Mom…I promise I’m trying!

Thanks mom, for all of the great advice!   Being a mama is certainly the most challenging, rewarding, fun, AMAZING experience that I’ve ever had, and I am so happy to lean on you for advice and encouragement!  Thank you for being the best role model, confidant, hug when I need it, shoulder to whine on, sounding board, and advice giver…to me, my babies and our family.

What is the best advice you’ve received from your mom, a role model in your family, a mom of older kiddos, or a fellow mama in the trenches? Share below!