How to Become a Great Mom When Your Mom Wasnt

Don’t Be Afraid to Say I Don’t Know

Growing up my mother took pride in completing all of the housework and cooking because it comforted her. Living in a spotless house and having clean counters was the badge of honor that my mother needed to feel accomplished. She never taught my sister or me how to cook or clean. When I moved out I was clueless but instead of admitting defeat I asked for help. My best friend’s mother taught me how to accomplish simple tasks around the house and I read a lot of self help books and articles on how to do the chores I needed to complete. Once I became a mother, I realized the other things my mother never taught me but instead of waving the white flag I decided to forge forward.

When you don’t know something, be brave enough to raise your hand and ask for help. Seize the opportunity to learn and don’t allow anything to take you down.

Love is Grown Not Inherited

When my husband and I got married, I remember people constantly asking me when we were going to have children. Initially, I didn’t want children because deep down I wasn’t sure if I could truly give them the love that they deserved. It took me four years but in that time I realized that love is not inherited. I discovered that I was capable of love, but first I had to accept myself first and ultimately love who I was – not what my mother wasn’t. Building a family is a huge commitment and there is no book that will give you a step-by-step synopsis. However, the willingness and desire to grow love is what you need – everything else will fall into place.