Passing on what our mums taught us

While the wonderful advances in technology bring people closer, the increasing speed at which the world functions is also the reason we end up being too busy. Too busy to relax, too busy to appreciate the little things, and sometimes, too busy to acknowledge what’s important. One among these is lessons from our parents, especially our mums, that are ingrained in us, that don’t make their way to our kids.

There are certain things your mum tells you while growing up that always stick with you for one reason or another. Some phrases are the same classic lines that virtually all mums use, while other phrases are your mother’s own original way of getting her point across.

1. “You can always count on your family”

Mothers have an innate nature to let their kids know that the family was always there for them. Family was always extremely important to mothers back in the day, and for that reason, it became important to us. It becomes vital, especially in the day and age of discontent and discord, to reassure the kids and grandkids that they can always count on their family in any situation, no matter if they are home, living a million miles away, or just need them.

2. “Don’t do anything stupid!”

It’s the type of phrase you roll your eyes at as you walk out the door. But it is also the type of phrase you think about right before you are going to “do something stupid.” It is a great mantra to live by, and a great life lesson to pass on to kids and grandkids. It just means that there is a way to think about what you’re doing before you do it, so you don’t have regrets later.

3. “Get an education”

Education needs to be every mother’s, no, every parents’, number one priority. Our parents made us feel as if they did everything in their power to make sure we were set up for success. In today’s world, a good education goes a long way, and passing on that lesson is very important. Especially with the youth of today believing they can do anything and not being prepared for it, pushing our kids and their kids to get a proper education will hold them in good stead.

4. “Your word is everything”

Back in the day, your word spoke about the kind of person you were, and going back on it lowered your character. If you say something, you better mean it. If someone says something, you need to be able to trust that what they say is true. Once you break that trust, no one will believe anything that comes out of your mouth anymore. If you do something wrong, own up to it. In the end, staying true to your word is more respectable than lying or trying to cover up.

5. “Don’t settle”

Parents always make us feel like we deserve the best. Whether it came to relationships, jobs, or anything else, parents always told us not to settle. Of course, there are times that are worth working through, but if something truly is no longer of benefit, then don’t settle.

6. “Find someone who makes you happy”

It sounds cliché but being with someone who makes you happy is all that matters. Looks, money, and most other things are not forever. But if you are with someone who is happy and makes you happy, you’ve got everything you need. Most people who have gone on to have happy families, started by finding the one person who made them happy in the first place. It’s important to pass on that message to the youth of today, especially when they are so cynical about “love” and what it means. It’s also important to understand that love does not equate happiness, and neither does it work the other way around.

7. “Not everyone is as fortunate as you are”

It is easy to get caught up in a little bubble of a life. That is why it is so important to take a step outside and realise that there are so many things going on that aren’t seen on a regular basis. It is highly important to be aware and to react to things around the world; this builds on one’s humanity.

What are the most important teachings from your mum that you are thankful for?