My Mom: The REAL Expert!

I admit it, I have an awesome mom. And even though I didn't believe her before having children- I realize now that motherhood is one of the most difficult jobs I'll ever have. And, although Mom tried to warn me that parenting wasn't easy - I simply didn't believe her. That is, until I had children!

I can't count the number of times I've called my Mom at all hours of the day or night, begging for advice, asking questions or "What would you do?", or to simply rant. And she always listens and tries to give me the best advice possible- regardless of the time. That's not to say I always follow her advice, but that's another story altogether.

The main point is, she takes the time to listen, she responds, and she doesn't make me feel silly for asking. That means a lot. As parents, most of us don't want to hear know-it-all advice from people who haven't even been through parenthood. So, listening to Mom's suggestions are a lot easier to deal with than someone who's a so-called "expert." (It's my opinion that Moms are the REAL experts!)

My Mom has helped me realize that parenting is truly a job that lasts a lifetime. Motherhood doesn't stop simply because your children are grown and have families of their own. Being a mother is a wonderful joy, a privilege- but it's also very hard work, it can be heartbreaking and stressful. The things I've learned since becoming a mother, are the things that my Mom and others tried to tell me before I had children.

Sometimes my Mom helps in more subtle ways, rather than being so obvious. I'm not sure she realizes that simply coming over, having a cup of tea with me, talking on the phone with me about anything and everything, and the time she spends with my children is a wonderful help. I realize I'm lucky to have the Mom I do, and I sometimes wonder if I could manage to be a parent without her help.

The day to day stresses of being a parent can be enough to make anyone question their sanity. Motherhood is full of experiences that are beyond anything we imagine as children when we're dreaming of our lives as adults. Nothing can really prepare you for parenting, until you've been through it. For me, what better way is there to learn, than from my Mom?

Motherhood isn't always something that comes naturally simply because you're a woman. Sometimes it takes time, experience, and the guidance of your own mother to realize what parenting is all about. While this may not be true for everyone, sometimes the best parenting guide there is, is your own parents. Especially your Mom.