The Stages of Motherhood…
Sometimes, as moms we feel like we say the same things to our kids over and over again, each time wondering if they actually hear us. Our level of being “wise and knowledgeable” varies, depending on how old our children are. These are the Stages of Motherhood. If our kids are little, we know everything, and we are revered. Babies delight in watching our expressions and imitating our words. Our toddlers try to behave like us, mimicking gestures and posture. Young kids think it’s cool when we explain to them how things work, and we are sought out for help with homework. It’s nice to be held in such high-esteem. But hold on, when the kids hit the teens, that all diminishes greatly. We go from all-knowing, to know-nothings. Our opinions are outdated, and our methods for anything are deemed, “old school.” Even the term, “old school” is vastly outdated! We sometimes are looked at as being “ordinary” if we’re lucky. Some parents are “lame”, “clueless”, or the ever-popular “weird.” This stage of being can last throughout the teen years, and even well into the college years. As parents, we’re glad our children have become thinking, reasoning individuals, but it would be nice to be needed for something besides cash. Then it happens…the heavens open up and the light shines down upon our now-graying heads…we have come full circle back to being the “wise and knowledgeable” parents we always thought we were. We’re needed for our opinions on buying a home, how to ask for a raise at work, getting a baby on a schedule, and even when to buy new tires! It’s amazing.
I have often thought about the Stages of Motherhood, with my own mom. And though not everyone has each stage to the same degree, generally speaking, it’s all pretty much the same for everyone. It’s nice to be an adult and look back to see yourself in each of those stages, and to take the time to stop and say a big thank-you to your mom; both of your parents for that matter, because now, as an adult, we’re in the same stage together. We understand all the reasons our moms and dads helped us ride a bike, taught us manners, gave us a curfew, made us pay for our first car, let us make our own mistakes, helped with student loans, co-signed a loan, and hosted our wedding. Now it’s our turn to do all those things for our children. And we do it happily, thinking back to all we’ve received. The cycle is coming full-circle.
This Mother’s Day, if you give your mom just one thing, give her the gift of gratitude. Thank her for loving you throughout all the stages of Motherhood. She’d have done it over again and again, because that’s what moms do. And it’s what you’ll do for your children, too. Tell her you know you made her nuts sometimes, made her cry now and then, but remind her of all the wonderful times you laughed and smiled together. Tell her you picked her as your mom because you knew one day you’d be sharing moments like these, remembering the love that’s between you. Nothing else can compare to showing gratitude and love like that. She’ll be happy you realize all that she went through for you, but she’d never ever say it wasn’t the best time of her life, no matter what stage she was in.
If however, you need a little something more to show her your gratitude, along with what I just mentioned, come in to Tami Loves and see all the wonderful items we have for her!! And check out our Mother’s Day Gift Bags!! www.tamiloves.com Order yours fast!
Tami Loves…a little gratitude for all moms! (I love you, Mom!)
