That great philosopher “Unknown” had perhaps the truest statement of all time: “Sooner or later, we all quote our mothers.”
If this hasn’t happened to you yet, just wait, because it will. One day, you will open your mouth and your mom will fall out!
And, that's not a bad thing at all.
Heading into Mother’s Day weekend, I thought it might be fun to remember some of the sage advice offered by mothers around the globe.
I’m not sure if there’s a universal mother’s manual they all get as they check out of the hospital with the new bundle of joy, but somehow they all sing from the same songbook.
Here are some golden oldies:
- Keep making that face and it’ll freeze that way.
- Shut the door. We are not heating the whole outdoors.
- If you fall out of that tree and break both legs, don’t come running to me.
- You’re going to run away? Good, I’ll help you pack.
- Don’t sit so close to the television. (Updated to insert 'computer' or 'gaming console')
- Don’t get your knickers in a knot. (British mum)
- If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way your mom told you to at the beginning.
- Yes, I do have eyes in the back of my head.
- Don’t you make me pull this car over.
- I hope you grow up and have kids as rotten as you. (I feel I heard that one more than the others)
Today's moms might not be quite so direct and to the point, but I think the sentiment is still there.
From the I Might Be Funny website, here’s what moms of the past said and what modern moms may be saying now.
- “Say that again and I’ll wash your mouth out with soap” has become “that word is inappropriate.”
- “You stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about” has been softened to “I see you’re upset. Take a deep breath and use your words.”
- “Go outside and ride your bike” has sadly become “you can’t go by yourself, I’ll drive you.”
Society has forced moms to parent in new ways. While mothers of generations past had it much harder in some ways with less technology, moms of this generation have struggles with too much technology.
It must be a scary time to try to coach, direct, advise, and steer young people onto a safe and successful path.
Some mom-isms may come also off as a bit harsh, but they were well-intentioned and, speaking for myself as an annoying kid, most were likely well deserved.
There were some other sayings from mom that have also stood the test of time. Remember the times she said she was proud of you and you were smart and good looking. Or the times she said she could never do the things you have accomplished.
Then, there were the countless times when she insisted you call her when you got home ... no matter your age. If there was ever any doubt, that actually translated to “I love you.”
I hope you enjoyed this little trip down maternal memory lane.
So, on Sunday for Mother’s Day, here’s the perfect saying to direct at your mother: “Thank you.”
