Day 27 Be A Good Daughter

Want to know how to be a better mom? Start with Day 27 Be A Good Daughter.  To truly raise our children with love and direction, we should look back on our own mother’s efforts to do the same thing.  Whether she did it “wrong” or “right”, you can still be a “good” daughter.

So it’s almost Halloween and both my girls’ brain power has been funneled almost exclusively to thoughts of candy – where to get it, what kind they love, what kind they hate, how much they can eat without getting sick…you know the drill.  

Which is really fine and good with me because I kinda love candy too.  And they are kids and this is an IMPORTANT time of year.

But they found out today something that was far more important.

My mom, who I love more than anything and, no offense to anyone out there, is the best mom God ever created…well she’s been really sick for almost 6 weeks now.  

Know how I know she’s sick?  Because she finally said something…and from a woman who doesn’t EVER complain, that speaks volumes.

Well yesterday, thank God, they admitted her to the hospital for a few days where she should make a full recovery.  

But this little impromptu plan threw a wrench in our plans for the day…just that morning I had told my girls we would be dressing up in our costumes (yes, our) and going to my hometown for their downtown trick or treating….this was extra special because it was the day BEFORE Halloween…an extra day to get candy!

But as soon as I heard my mom was being admitted to the hospital, I told my girls the plans may change…because while candy was good, being there for my mom was better.  Way better.  

And right there, I was showing them what a good daughter does.  

She drops everything to support her mom.  Because, you know, your mom did that for you for YEARS…just like you are currently doing for your own children.

A good daughter doesn’t talk badly of their own mom in front of her children.  Even if she didn’t do everything right, your mom was probably trying.  And what are you teaching your own children about respect for you if you show none to your mom?

I have to tell you I would be heartbroken if my girls grow up and talk about me the way I hear some ladies talk about their own mom.  

How their mom is soooo needy when she wants to talk every week.  

This mom of yours used to talk to you EVERY day…wake you up, dress you, feed you, help you with homework, worry, worry, worry.  Well guess what?  She still worries about you and still wants to hear your voice, touch your hand.  

How their mom always wants to give parenting advice unsolicited.

And that parenting advice you didn’t ask for?  You ask your friends with more kids or older kids for advice all the time, right?  Because they have more experience than you and experience is a great teacher, right?  

Well, guess who has 30+ years experience?!! Your mom!!! Ask her for advice…my mom is the FIRST person I call when I have a parenting question.  The first…every single time.  99% of the time I take her advice but even if I didn’t, she still has a LOT to teach me.  Whether it’s how I want to parent like her or differently, she knows a lot.

How they just don’t remember what it was like to have little kids.

To her, you are still her little kid.  She feels a fierce desire to protect you at all costs.  To keep you safe, to protect you from all the hurt and pain this world has to offer.  You have changed only in size to her.  You may be bigger but you will always be her baby.

So love her.  Respect her.   Give her your time and attention.  

One day, you are going to be in her exact same shoes.  And that day will come a lot sooner than you can imagine.