When it comes to motherhood, it doesn’t matter how much people tell you about it, how much you try to prepare for it or how much you think you’re ready – you just don’t fully get it until you become a mother yourself. For many of us, it’s like a light suddenly goes off. We’ll find ourselves walking back and forth in the living room at 2 a.m., bouncing our newborn in an attempt to get them to sleep – and that’s when it hits us. “My mom did this for me?” Suddenly, you have a whole new level of appreciation for her. Here are a few other ways becoming a mom makes you appreciate your own mother.
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1. You now realize how deep her love is for you.
She used to tell you “I love you,” all the time. But now you know just how real it is. How intense and strong the connection is. Every time you stare at your little one’s face and marvel at how completely amazing she is, you’ll think “My Mom felt this way about me? I was this incredible to someone else?” It’s pretty mind-blowing in the best of ways.
2. She understands sleep deprivation.
From the nighttime feedings to the constant wake-ups and the regular checks when your little one is sick – there are a lot of times when you’re sleep deprived as a parent. It’s an awful feeling, but it helps a little to know your mom has been there, too. You have that common experience. Plus, she’ll likely help you so you can grab a nap here and there when you’re really having a rough go of it.
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3. She can sympathize with everything you’re going through.
Your doubts and insecurities. Your worries. Your mom has been there. She knows how hard it is to navigate the new world of parenting. She understands that when you’re in the moment, it’s hard to see that everything is just a phase and they will sleep one day. They will learn to crawl. They will make friends and figure life out. But she knows.
4. You understand everything she went through.
Every single feeling, worry, excited and elated moment you have – your mom likely had as well when you were little. About you. How cool is that?
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5. You now get why she was so hard on you.
Parenting is serious stuff. You have this blank slate of a little human to raise and you really don’t want to mess it up. So when you made some bad choices as a kid – you realize now that she was just trying to protect you. At the time, it was annoying. Now? Her actions make so much sense.
6. She held everything together – and now you see it.
Organizing schedules. Making meals. Preparing school lunches. Planning extra-curricular activities. Making quality time a priority. Holy cow, she was busy! She did it all. And now you know what a superwoman she was.
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7. She will never tire of you talking about your kids.
Eight million Facebook updates on every little detail of your kids’ lives can be annoying to some. But to your mom? No way.
8. She never stops mothering.
When you’re tired, sick, need a hand or just want to talk, you’re likely able to count on your mom. And she probably still feels like you’re the best little human that ever graced the face of the earth. It’s a good feeling.
9. She loves your kids on a whole new level.
You can see it. Her love for them is deep – and they benefit from knowing that another person out there thinks they’re incredible.
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10. She was damn good at being a mom. And she taught you well.
The hard stages, the great times, the tears – and everything in between. She navigated it all. And she did a really good job of it. Now it’s your turn.
What other ways have you started to appreciate your mom after having kids? Tell us in a comment!
–Heather Dixon
