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| MOTHER'S
DAY 2012: How has being a mom changed your own mother-daughter relationship? |
With Mother's Day just around the corner, I got to thinking about how motherhood also changed the way I see my own mom. There's nothing like becoming a mother yourself to fully understand everything your mom did for you.
Becoming a mom helped me to appreciate my mom in many ways. I understand that her rules and guidelines were there for a reason, and I appreciate that they helped shape the way that I parent. It made me understand that while kids act like they hate rules, they actually need the parameters to know what's OK and what's not OK.
We are helping to guide our kids into becoming successful, responsible adults and I appreciate how my mom and dad were able to do so in a loving and often strict way. Kids need to find their own paths, but it is my responsibility and role as a mom to help them understand the bigger context of life and how we navigate it together.
Here's to all you moms out there, from those with great-grandkids to those with a newborn! From all of us at OnCloudMom, we want to wish you a happy Mother's Day! And to make the day a bit sweeter, we want to treat you to a little something special. We're giving away two $100 Target gift cards to two deserving moms this week.We are helping to guide our kids into becoming successful, responsible adults and I appreciate how my mom and dad were able to do so in a loving and often strict way. Kids need to find their own paths, but it is my responsibility and role as a mom to help them understand the bigger context of life and how we navigate it together.
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below to say how your relationship with your mother has changed since you've become a mom yourself. And don't forget to leave your email address, so I can reach out to you if you're the winner! I'll email the winners on Monday, so be sure to leave your comment before 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, May 13.
We're looking forward to hearing your stories and picking the winners. And if you win a card, don't forget to treat yourself -- you deserve it!
33 comments:
My mom and I are closer than ever. I have a two year old and a newborn and I chat with my mom daily. She is my confidant, my friend, and my cheerleader. She is always there for me and I can only hope that I will be as great of a mom as she.
Ta725081@yahoo.com
I've grown so close to my mom as I turn to her for help and advice constantly with my two girls. I'm lucky to have her always there :) ktleen2@aol.com
My relationship with my mother has definitely evolved. My parents divorced when I was in the sixth grade, so it had been the two of us after that. She’s remarkable. She was always a good friend when I was a child, but she could be very strict and overbearing at times. Even when I was in college. She was extremely protective and I have come to really appreciate that. She was also fiercely independent. She’s done so many things (in her career and in investing) that I admire and she did it on her own. I am married and in my late 20s now and my mother currently suffers from severe depression and is bi polar. She’s nothing like the person that I knew growing up. Our relationship has changed in that I now feel like I am more the caretaker than the daughter. I find myself missing the mom I knew, but I have to remind myself that she is human, not a superwoman. I was very lucky to have known her when she could do much more for herself and now, I need to be there for her in the best way that I can.
ashley.havrish at gmail dot com
After becoming a mother myself, I realized just how many sacrifices my mom had to make to give me the childhood that I had. She often went without so that she could provide for my sisters and I. She worked very hard to teach us the value of a dollar and to instill in us a sense of morals and a strong faith. She put our needs above her own. I now see how her immense love for us was the reason behind all of her actions and I truly appreciate all that she did (and does!) for me. She provided me an amazing example of what a mother should be so that now I can also be a great mother to my 2 little boys.
I wasn't always a great daughter I misbehave few times specially at 16, I became a teen mother at 18 since then my life change I see th world differently and I learn that most things you do is to give your kids a better life, my mom has done all for me n my siblings she been a mother and father work hard jobs just to feed us and give us a place to live and now I know been a mother is a 24/7 thing ther not such a thing as a break because even in your sleep you worry about your kids I thank my mother for loving me always even when I wasn't so great daughter now I know whats unconditional love :) I love my mom......
When my mom visits, it's not to spend time with me anymore, but my son... which I appreciate.
agnesychan@gmail.com. Please do not post email address. Thank you.
My mother and I have always been pretty close, I was home schooled and so I was with her all the time. But there was always that separation between mother and daughter...until I had my own children.
My husband and I have a 7 year old daughter, a 4 year old son, and a baby girl due July 1st. My hubby and I have been through a lot together, losing two babies before birth, a diagnosis of kidney cancer for my husband last year (he was 29) and this year our 4 year old son was diagnosed with leukemia in March.
Through all of this my mom has been by my side, keeping our kids when my husband was in the hospital, and now taking time off work (shes a nurse) to come to my sons weekly chemo treatments. She has been my rock, and has become my best friend. Having children of my own has helped me to realized what kind of bond she must feel with me, and she was no longer the hovering mother that annoyed me...She taught me how to be the mom I am today. How to love my kids, and teach them through my actions how they should behave. I am so thankful for my mom and for all that she has given up, all that she was accomplished, all for her children, for me.
My relationship with my mother instantly changed when I gave birth to my first child. I could feel that love for another human being that my mother had felt for me my whole life. It was a different kind of love, an unconditional love. I instantly had so much more respect for my mother once I learned how hard it was to be a parent. I constantly worry about if I am doing it right and she is always there to guide me through those questionable times. We became so much closer when I had my first baby. The love only got stronger when I recently had my second child. We now talk every day regularly and we talk about our problems with each other. This is something that would have never happened in the past. She gives me such great insight at the different things that I will look forward to in the future with my own children. Now that I understand what sacrifices she has made to raise me, it makes me look up to her even more. At first she was just my mother, but now I can honestly say that she is my best friend. Amanda62008@hotmail.com
Since becoming a mother, I have found a new appreciation for my own mother. I now understand why she worked so hard to teach us, discipline us, love us, play with us, and care for us. She wanted to do anything she could for us. The love a mother has for her child is like no other, and I could never understand that until now. I now understand why she was so protective of us. At the time, we found it annyoning, sometimes wishing she would just leave us alone. Now, I get it! I am so thankful for all she did for us now!megan.steinhauser@yahoo.com
Best Friend - that is the best way to sum it up. We have always been close but as I grew we became friends and day after day became better and better friends. She was there with me when i had my first son (not intentionally - got trapped in the room when all the medical personnel came flying in but I am so glad she was and wouldn't have changed it for anything) From that moment on she has been my sounding board and support system. My husband is great but he is not my mother! Whether it is what to do about the babies or what ingredients are in that dish - I love calling my mother to ask. And those calls that should be only a few minutes to answer a question can last nearly an hour! I wish I lived closer to my mother but that maybe one of the reason's our visits are so special - I don't take any minute with her for granted. My mother has enstilled in me the abilty to be a good mother and hopefully my son's will have nothing but great things to say about me becuase of what I have learned from my mother. I have learned that a good mother becomes a good friend, someone who is always there for you!! I can't wait to see my mother again and sit down with a nice bottle of red and talk about our days... That is how my relationship has changed: I respect all she did for me, gave up for me, and still does. I see her as so much more than a mom. She is not only the best mother and grandmother one could ask for, She a great friend, a great worker, a great wife. I know these feelings wouldn't be possible if she still treated me like her kid...she treats me with such respect and admiration that it would be impossible not to love her even more for it.
kcam_m@hotmail.com
My mom has always told me how I breastfed past a year and how great it was. It wasn't until I became a mom and learned how important breastfeeding is that it hit me why she was telling me that all the time. Since becoming a mom, my mom and I argue less. It's because every time I look at my baby, every time I breast feed him, every time I run my fingers across his delicate little knuckles while he sleeps, I know that my mom went through the same thing and there is no love out there like the love of a mother. I also know that she sacrificed a lot for me. My baby determines my schedule and sometimes it's hard trying to get things done when my baby is hungry again only an hour after finishing his last feeding. I thank my mom for my success in breastfeeding and appreciate her a million times more for putting up with me through the good and bad, because I now know how hard it is and how much you have to sacrifice, but also how much it is worth it! I love you mom!
going2heaven87@yahoo.com
I forgot to leave my email.
My hope is that my daughters and grandchildren think of me as I had thought of my mother. She was my best friend, could talk to her about anything, she never judged and even though she knew better, she accepted my decision and tried her best to see me through the tough times in life. I envy those who are still lucky enough to have their mother there or just a phone call away. You should put her on a pedestal and appreciate every second you have with her because time just goes by too fast. I would give anything to let my grandchildren get to know her. Yesterday my baby daughter had a son, in about a week he'll be four. Yesterday comes too fast, give your mother an extra hug today.
insteelersfan at aol dot com.
My relationship wtih my mom got BETTER and deeper because I realized HOW much she sacrificed for our family. She worked full time and ran our family SO well. I dont know how she did it. She offers me encouragement and shares funny stories from my childhood. I have really become closer with my mom since having my kiddo nearly 3 years ago. I'm blessed by all the help she gives me and the guidance and support. She is an awesome mom! My email is collinsbatson AT gmail DOT com
I have quite the story. I became pregnant in March 2010 with my first son, Andrew. My pregnancy was wonderful and uneventful and full of love. Sharing our pregnancy with my family was a joy and my mom was beyond elated. I received packages for Andrew in the mail monthly. And then he arrived; stillborn. It was devastating to say the least. My mom has made a great effort (as has my MIL) to honor Andrew. We each have our own jewelry to remember his life and the first grandchild that he was. A miscarriage later and finally another pregnancy-- Andrew's little brother was born alive. It was magical. Like something out of a dream to finally introduce my mom to her grandson. Andrew always acknowledged and in that, us growing closer as we bond on something no mothers should ever have to endure. Our family is closer because of the love Andrew has brought into our lives and as mothers, we're both forever changed.
Motherhood has changed me so much! My daughter was born last September. She is actually 8 months old today. She has made my life so much crazier and happier. The relationship with my mother has also changed. I began to respect her more and applaud her on having 4 kids versus my one child. I moved away from home (Nebraska) to go to college in Alabama. I haven't seen my mother since the week I found out I was pregnant. I had to fly back to Alabama for spring classes. I do love to text her or talk to her and ask her motherly advice even though we are 1500 miles apart! She's amazing! I get to see her next month and she will meet her grand daughter! I am so excited. I love my mom so much!!
Email: annie_cbear@hotmail.com
I wasn't always a great daughter I misbehave few times specially at 16, I became a teen mother at 18 since then my life change I see th world differently and I learn that most things you do is to give your kids a better life, my mom has done all for me n my siblings she been a mother and father work hard jobs just to feed us and give us a place to live and now I know been a mother is a 24/7 thing ther not such a thing as a break because even in your sleep you worry about your kids I thank my mother for loving me always even when I wasn't so great daughter now I know whats unconditional love :) I love my mom......
talie09_aiden@yahoo.com
my name is monica i have a three year old -little monica and a one month old on the day of mothers day -daisy. both girls :-) im 23 yrs old and my mother is 65. we have recently gone through some changes. she now lives in another city. sacramento. i live in the south bay. shes always helps me whenever i even tho she a couple hours away. the first time she witnessed a grandchild being born was with little monica. and boy was it a struggle. 28hours of.craziness and she stayed by my side the whoooole time.i can say that during that time we bonded like never before. we are much much closer now...ive learned so much from my mother susie. i feel more resposible than ever. thank you mom for raising me so well..AND TODAY IS MOTHERS DAY FOR THE MEXICAN CULTURE. SOOO HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL OF US STRONG MOTHERS OUT THERE. email: moneyca31@gmail.com
Since i have had my two daughters my mom and i have grown closer. I can't believe she raised three kids by herself. Luckily i have a great husband to help out but these girls know how to keep us on our toes!! Thank god for my mom!!
darlalynnbittner@yahoo.com
My mother and I hadn't spoken in years. When I had my first baby, and he spent 3 weeks in NICU, she showed up and supported me. Everything is different now. My TWO boys now have a close relationship with their grandmother and we're very happy to have her back.
mrshschultz@me.com
My Mother passed away when I was 8 years old. I always dreaded Mother's Day growing up, until I had children of my own. Now I not only enjoy Mother's Day with my little ones, but I yearn for more knowledge about my Mother. I reminisce with my sister, and reflect on what a wonderful woman she was. I feel like since having kids, I have been brought out of the funk of denial and anger that she is gone. And cherish each moment we had.
DanaLKroh@gmail.com
My relationship with my mom has changed since I became a mom myself in that I look more to her for information and advice on what to do. I also call her to vent when I need to, as she lives in CA and I live in TN. So it's really tough to only see her once or twice a year. I enjoy asking her about my sisters and I when we were younger, and hearing that my daughter reminds her of me when I was little.
mysticbutterfly37 at yahoo.com
My relationship with my mom has grown so strong. We had grown apart for a while but instantly bonded once we announced my pregnancy. Now she is an awesome mom and grand mother. We talk daily and my son loves her so much.
Meschofield@gmail.com
I used to call my mom every day before I had my son... now I call her multiple times a day. She's a continued source of love, support, and guidance. She's amazing. I wasn't always the easiest child and I know she didn't deserve the way I acted. The woman is a saint. She uprooted her and my father's home of 25 years to move closer to her adult children when they began starting families so she "could have a part in helping raise my grandkids." I love my mom more every day for all that she's done and all that she continues to do. She gets 2 cards from me for Mother's Day because my sentiments can't be described in just one.
monica_matilla@comcast.net
I think my relationship has evolved in a ways I did not think it would. My mom was raised in a family where you did not talk about pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. You quietly disappeared if you were going to nurse, and no one was supposed to know what you were doing.
Now that I am a nursing mother, I nurse wherever I am, respectfully covering up, but not ashamed. She has run through dozrens of emotions about it, ashamed, shocked, angry and finally resigned.
All of this has helped me to see how I want to raise my daughter, teaching her that women should not be ashamed of their bodies, and nursing their children without a care to what people may feel.
gmeyer603@yahoo.com
I can honestly say, without trying to sound corny, that my Mom is my best friend. No, we were not always that way! It took until I got married and had children of my own to really see my mom for the wonderful individual that she is. She sacrificed so much to stay home and raise 4 kids, never thinking of her own wants and needs. She has been my constant shoulder to cry on and support to lean on. She always was, but as a child and teen you tend to overlook your parents. Now as a Mom to 2 and a 3rd on the way, I can only hope and pray to be half of the Mother to my children that my Mom has always been to me, and always will be.
minderela@hotmail.com
My two boys have a seven year age gap, although that was new our plan. We always wanted them much closer in age. While pregnant with my second, my mom told me that I was "a better mother than she ever was." While I don't agree with her at all (I think she's amazing), it showed me how she had grown to love and respect me as a mother rather that just her daughter.
Since having kids, our relationship has grown so much closer. She's the one I always turn to for advice and the one who is always there to support my decisions. I'm not sure how I'd get through things without her!
mommastaci33 at yahoo dot com
My relationship with my mom did a complete 180 when my daughter was born. I have never loved or needed her more. She has been there from day one, emotionally and physically. I continue to work on our relationship specially now that I see how much my daughter adores and loves her.
karissa(.)viniegra(@)gmail
My mom and I became so much close after my beautiful baby girl was born. I was born and raised in Europe and that is when my mom still is. I miss her more than ever, and I cannot wait for her to hold her granddaughter. Thank Goodness for technology! We love talking to her over Skype so she can see our baby girl to grow. I tell her every time how much I miss her. I wish she was here with us! My mom and my husband are my biggest BFing supporters. I couldn’t do it without them. I LOVE MY MOM!
lucieflucas@aol.com
My mom and I definately deepened our bond after I gave birth to my daughter. Actually, it was the very LONG 8 years of struggling with infertility before the birth that did it. My mom also dealt with her own infertility. Back then options were few and I was blessed that she adopted me!
Fast forward 29 years later. My husband and I started trying for a baby as soon as we were married. We never dreamed that it would be 8 years before we ever saw a positive pregnancy test...it came 2 days after our anniversary! My mom was with me through every failed attempt and surgery. She hoped and prayed with me that this "would be the one" She shared her own struggle and advice (and tears). I would have never made it through with out the love and support of her (and my husband)
The birth of my daughter was not only the happiest day of my life...my mom rejoiced with us. I will never forget her holding my daughter (dancing and singing to her) for the weeks following the birth. Motherhood comes in all shapes and forms and by way of many different paths. I am thankful for ours..adoption and IVF...that made us Mothers. I am truely blessed that I have an awesome mom, that I was finally able to become a mom...and make my mom a "Mimi". Happy Mother's Day to all :)
sorry...forgot email.
akkauz at hotmail dot com
Since my 10 month old was born, I'm more appreciative of what it took for my mom to raise me, practically by herself, and keep me safe and sane through her own trials, tribulations, wounds and fears. I know what a hard job it is to mother, and how without a strong woman role model, there is very little chance for a baby girl to have a proper nurturer in her life. Nurturing takes a lot out of you, even if you have a reliable partner, which my mom did not have for many years. I really have to hand it to her, now that I am doing what she did I love and appreciate her more than I ever did before. Happy mother's day, mama.
My mum and I have always had a good relationship but since having my son it has only depended. I understand how challenging raising a child can be and I have nothing but the utmost respect for her and my dad because they did a great job, and i only hope i can do as well, having learnt from the best. It is an all consuming effort to raise kids well and I aim to give it my best shot. You effect everyone you encounter in some way at that time, but your kids you effect in everyway for a lifetime.What we as mums do matters this i've learnt since having kids of my own.
tjranch at ymail dot com
My mom & I have had a rocky last couple of years sometimes we didnt talk for weeks.... But in August Last year i found out I was pregnant, things started to get so exciting only to get so sad. I already felt like a mom in so many ways, yet I became very very very ill. My mom kept pushing me to go to the hospital & come to find out I had a "tubal pregnancy." Apparently i was pregnant with twins, miscarried one when i got very ill & the other became stuck in my tube. This was such a devastating to experience & my mom truly held my hand through the whole thing & cried with me. Since then, i text my mom daily i feel the experience helped complete something in my heart i was missing from my mom for awhile. Angabell2@yahoo.com
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