Mothers

Moms...are you parenting the same way that your mom did?  Whether you have/had the best mother in the world or swore that you would never do the hurtful things (to your children) that your mother did to you... our parenting methods are greatly influenced by our mothers.  Parenting changes over the generations.  In the 50's moms would say "wait until your father gets home".  The dad ruled!  The next generation was all about no spanking, and actually letting our children be heard.  Many mothers were going back to work and dads had to help out around the house.  Not an easy shift for them.  You don't need a history lesson, you know what I'm getting at.  Parenting changes through the generations.  We are always trying to improve.  We are not perfect, we don't have all the answers and we will make mistakes and be hurtful sometimes.  Our children will disappoint us, and we them.  My advice for moms...don't try to be perfect.  Don't try to do it all.  Don't get to the point of exhaustion trying to give your child EVERY opportunity out there. Give yourself  a well deserved break.  Because we are learning and applying new parenting methods, we are getting better and better.  Change is good.  One thing that never changes is that our mothers love us ...we love our children... and  we all do the best we can!  In memory of my mother, I would like to say how much I appreciated your example of a strong woman.  In memory of my mother-in-law, I would like to say how much I appreciated your devotion to our family.   Two wonderful, beautiful women who (by their example) influenced MY parenting.  Happy Mother's Day.