Things I Wish My Mother Had Taught Me

I love my mother, don't get my wrong. She's a great lady and she did a wonderful job raising myself and my siblings, but there are always things that you look back on and go, "man, I wish I had known that." My mother had me reading at the tender age of three and writing by four. She was a big supporter of literacy. She wanted her children to be able to express themselves. I am very thankful for this because it made several things in my life much easier. However, there are a few things I really wish she had taught me.

1. The importance of a good moisturizer

I've started noticing some pre-mature aging; fine lines and frown lines. So, I now shop in the mid-aged moms aisle, that's right, the anti-wrinkle creams and antioxidant facials. My mom is beautiful but I don't want her limp, easily wrinkled and slow healing skin. I wish she had taught me to put moisturizer on every day. Had she done that I might not be in the situation I am now. I'm trying to play catch up and it's not so easy.

2. Spice is nice

My mom's not a big fan of spicy food or a lot of seasoning. I dad is but he didn't cook very often when I was a kid. Thus most of our food was very simple. Delicious, but simple. So, now I cook the same way. Food that tastes good but is very plain. I want to cook with different spices and seasonings but I don't really know how to. I do experiment with foods, sometimes it comes out really good. And other times, well, other times we get take-out.

3. How to shave

I remember being in sixth grade when I noticed some girls had started shaving. Most were just shaving their lower legs but some had progressed to the thighs as well. I would drop the topic randomly into conversations hoping she would pick up on it and want to discuss the topic. No such luck. In junior high girls were talking about shaving, more specifically who wasn't. I was desperate. I took one of my older brother's disposable razors and went at it - no shaving gel. Man, did I cut my knees and ankles up. I had no idea what I was doing. The next time I did it at least I used soap! I really wish she had taught me how to shave.

4. Deodorant good, smell bad

It may sound like common sense but sometimes it really isn't. If you smell you want to make yourself not smell, simple concept. I had body spray. If I smelled a little spritz here and there and it was all better. I was twelve years old when I had a dance teacher pull me aside and ask if I used deodorant. I lied and said yes. I was so embarrassed. She told me the acrobatics teacher had made a comment to her about my armpits smelling when I was being assisted with tumbling tricks. I guess my mother didn't think I needed it yet, that I wasn't a teenager and thus didn't sweat, but let me tell you, I wish she had. I took one of her spare deodorants until she noticed and finally brought the topic up. If you exercise several hours a week, it doesn't matter how old you are, you need deodorant.

These are just a few things I wish my mother had taught me.