5 Things Our Mothers Did Better Than Us

Mom had a way with things, that’s for sure. It seemed like she just had it together. She always knew what to say, how to balance a grocery list with a budget, and ensure everyone was always welcome. Looking back, it seems like it came easy, but being a mom now myself, I know it was probably anything but a walk in the park.

While we know Mama would assure us we’ve done a fine job ourselves, we’ll never fail to look back on our family’s matriarch with the dearest sense of admiration. Whether she was welcoming in neighbors and friends, or ensuring everyone gathered around the dinner table each night, our moms were a force we’ll forever be looking up to.

She Knew How To Turn Off The Noise

There’s a lot of noise nowadays. I’ve become so accustomed to it, that sometimes I don’t even notice until I’m suddenly overwhelmed and take a step back only to find the tv is blaring, the timer on the oven is going off, and my phone is incessantly buzzing with new messages, notifications, and a reminder to finally enable that iPhone update.

While my mom may not have had as many electronics busting in on her home’s tranquility, there were still plenty of intrusive elements at play that she expertly navigated. Whether it was silencing the landline when it became too much, clicking off the TV when she found a little crowd gathered around on a pretty summer day, or even requiring a 30 minute “quiet time” when it all became too much, she was an expert at flipping the switch the minute chaos started to take the reins.

Silence was golden and Mom knew just when it was needed.

She Understood The Importance Of The Family Meal

“Are you staying for dinner?” It was the mantra of countless childhoods. Whether yours was the table the neighborhood kids always found themselves around or you were lucky enough to feel right at home at any number of friends’ homes, the family dinner took a different form than what we might think of nowadays. It was a ragtag crew that gathered around tables. Phone calls were made and shouts were heard over hedges as moms were informed their offspring would be dining abroad. One thing was for sure though, the mom who found herself off the hook for the night would certainly repay the favor in kind within a week.

She Believed In Community

Many of us might recall a childhood where the lines of what constituted “family” was certainly blurred. There were aunts and uncles who you never knew weren’t blood related until well into your own adulthood and friends parents who ensured eyes were always on you (and ready to report back to mom should you step out of line). “It takes a village” were words to live by, and our moms knew the importance of it.

She Shooed The Kids And Pets Outside

When the weather was nice, everyone was outside on the double. Snacks would be sent out in an hour. Mom took back the house the minute the temps hit tolerable levels and the sun began peeking out. And if you got bored with the swing set, bubbles, and bikes, she would let you knock some chores off the list, too. Watering the plants, sweeping off the porch, and organizing the outside toys were just some of the jobs offered for the “I’m bored” set. For those of us who knew better than to utter those fateful words, bug catching, backyard exploring, and treasure hunting kept the adventures endless until it was time to come in for dinner.  

She Made It Look Easy

The thing about being a mom that I’ve discovered in my short, seven-year tenure so far is that times when I feel like I’ve fallen short are rarely noticed by my kids. In fact, these moments when I feel like I should have done more, should have done less, or should have done things differently somehow end up making the highlight reel.

A few months ago, I had the type of day I know I’ll remember for years—and not because it was one of my best, but one where the struggles seemed endless. That night, as I tucked my daughter in, she turned to me and said, “This was the best day ever!” In that moment, I wondered how many of my best childhood days were in fact ones where my own mom felt like she came up short. I think it's the aura of love that moms seem to blanket their children with that somehow smudges out the stuff that doesn’t quite go as planned. What’s left behind are the sweet memories and feelings of warmth, safety, and security that come when the lens in which you see the world is defined by nothing more than the love all around you.