A Gift for Mom! 🤍

Everything I Need To Know About Motherhood I Learned From My Mom

3 Minute Read

By Rachel Weidner

Selfie of woman, daughter, and grandbaby, color photo — Image via Rachel Weidner

I used to wonder why my mom loved high-waisted jeans.

I used to wonder why she took so much time getting ready to go on a date with my dad.

I used to wonder why she would caution us and get so frustrated each morning when our elbows jabbed into her ribs, spilling her hot coffee all over her lap.

I used to wonder why she wanted or sometimes needed our ideas on what to make for dinner.

I used to wonder why she would go on and on about how cute we were as babies, telling the same string of toddler anecdotes over and over.

RELATED: You’re a Little Less Baby Today Than Yesterday

I used to wonder why she forced us to stand and smile for family pictures.

I used to wonder why swimsuit shopping was so displeasing.

I used to wonder why my parents wanted so many hugs.

I used to wonder why she would get teary-eyed over birthdays and events.

I used to wonder why she would stress clean and demand we tidy our rooms before company arrived.

I used to wonder why a made bed, empty hamper, or scrubbed out sink filled her with acute satisfaction.

I used to wonder at her joy over a cleaned bathroom, home-cooked meal, or reorganized freezer.

I used to wonder why it was so important we sweep and vacuum every day, or why she would organize the pillows and fold blankets before my dad came home from work.

I used to wonder why having the dishes done the night before started our mornings with a completely different tone.

I used to wonder why she would say yes to Taco Bell and Starbucks runs, or why she savored each and every visit to Target with her teenagers.

I used to wonder why she would linger for late-night talks, or why it was so special that we talked as much as we did.

I used to wonder why she rubbed our backs and feet whenever we felt sick, or why she would sacrifice her own body if it meant saving ours.

More than anything, I wondered how she could serve and love us all so well.

Now that I’m a mom, I get it.

RELATED: To My Mom: I Get it Now

I understand why stretchy pants, long shirts, and hot coffee are so important. I understand why birth stories are recounted in detail, and why the desire to smell babies (even if it does sound creepy) is so strong. I chase after a clean kitchen, tight hugs, and one more picture. I long for date nights and home-cooked meals made by anyone but me.

I get it because motherhood is changing me—just like it did her.

I still have so much more to learn, and it’s my honor to sacrifice with her.

The joy of every mom is to love her family well.

I’m thankful for my example.

So God Made a Grandmother book by Leslie Means

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Order Now!

everything I need to know I get it now I learned from my mom I love my mom mom Motherhood motherhood changed me my mom raising kids thanks mom

Rachel Weidner

I'm a stay-at-home mom, work-at-home writer, coffee drinker, and book hoarder. I love taking pictures and eating chocolate. Writing helps me stay sane, so I blog about motherhood, marriage, faith, and everything in between. You can find me on Facebook at Forever Dreaming Writing by Rachel or on Instagram at @foreverdreamingwritngbyrachel.

Why Don’t We Talk About Jonah’s Mother?

In: Faith, Living, Motherhood

Praying for My Son Send a storm to stop him; Let his friends throw him out. May he drop to the deeps, But gently, please, Stubborn though he may be. If it could only take three days, How my mother’s heart would Rejoice in praise. From the hell you allow him, Let him cry to you. Is not Nineveh and mercy Exactly what he knows He needs— A mercy on enemies He fears You will concede? Please let all the shade wither If his is an angry soul; Humble him and help him follow Where you would have his purpose...

Keep Reading

To the Mom Worrying She’s Not Doing Enough This Summer

In: Motherhood

It’s only the second week of summer, and, thanks to modern-day social media, I feel like I’ve already seen it all. Picture-perfect beach getaways, color-coded bucket lists, backyard neighborhood movie nights, you name it. And if I’m being honest, I’ve already caught myself wondering if I’m doing enough. More than once, at that. As a solo mom of two, I’m still adjusting to our new norm while trying desperately to delicately let go of any expectations tied to all of our past experiences…including summer vacations. I’m reminding myself that our summers won’t look like they used to. At least not...

Keep Reading

Your Worth As a Mother Is Not Defined By How You Feed Your Baby

In: Baby, Motherhood

I’m not breastfeeding my baby. I wanted to. And I was able to for the first several weeks of her life. But as the days went on, I could tell it wasn’t enough for her anymore, so we started supplementing. And sure enough, without warning, she began screaming through nursing sessions, but was satisfied with a bottle. And that’s when I knew what I needed to do. A similar situation also happened with my first. She didn’t gain her birth weight back on my milk alone, so I had no choice but to supplement right away. And before I knew...

Keep Reading

A Mother’s Love Doesn’t End When Her Kids Move Out

In: Motherhood

When my last sibling moved out of the house, I watched my mom struggle in a quiet, almost unspoken way. It wasn’t something dramatic or visible; it was something I could feel in her presence. For 40 years, her life had revolved around taking care of us—my siblings and me. Every season of her life had been shaped around our needs, our schedules, our milestones, and our growing up. Being a mom wasn’t just something she did. It was who she was—the structure of her days, the cadence of her thoughts, and the center of her purpose. So when the...

Keep Reading

The Hardest Part of Divorce Is Being Away from My Kids

In: Living, Marriage, Motherhood

I’ve written several times about how divorce has allowed me to find myself again, and how that version is even better than the one I was before I was married. All of that is still true. I am happier than I’ve ever been. More confident and sure of myself. I understand my emotions and how to handle myself when things get tough or scary. I am more grounded and calm than I’ve ever been. Truly, I have come out on top. I’ve received comments about how happy I look, how I’m “living my best life with kids only half the...

Keep Reading

I May Let Go of the Baby Things, but I’ll Hold the Memories Forever

In: Baby, Motherhood

Woman looking through closet of baby items

It’s easy to think of multiple sayings and mottos about how invaluable earthly possessions are. “It’s not what you have, but who you share it with” “Worry less about things and more about experiences” “Who cares what you have, you can’t take it with you when you go” And trust me, I know these to be true. I am not a hoarder of hotel pens or mini shampoo bottles or every receipt and coaster from my favorite restaurants. I don’t care much for name-brand shoes or designer purses, yet there are a few things I just can’t easily let go...

Keep Reading

Mom Showed Us Love that Lasts

In: Motherhood

Vintage photo of mother and three young kids

We moved a few years ago, and we had a closet that needed some reworking. In doing so, my husband found some old photos. He pulled out an album that held this vintage photo of my mom, my sisters, and me. It was probably circa 1983 when prints were made from Kodak. I actually don’t remember seeing the photo before. But I love it. In the photo, my mother’s eyes are shut with a blink because those were the days when blinks weren’t edited. It’s beautiful, and I can’t stop thinking about the captured connection. She was showing us something...

Keep Reading

This Is How I’m Raising My Sensitive Son

In: Motherhood

When I was pregnant with my son, everyone warned me of what was to come. “Just you wait,” they’d say with an underlying schadenfreude, “you’ll never sleep again.” I fully expected sleep-deprived days and long, unrelenting nights, calming my son down from tantrums, trying to keep the peace with my marriage. But I got lucky—my son sleeps through the night, doesn’t throw tantrums, and my marriage is stronger than ever. I didn’t expect that, especially because I struggle with my own mental health and assumed I’d be in the weeds during my postpartum period. Now that my son is almost...

Keep Reading

It’s Time for Us To Start Talking about Menopause

In: Motherhood

Disclaimer: The information included below is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Menopause. Growing up, this was a mysterious subject spoken about in hushed tones. When I approached this transition, I didn’t know what to expect. It began during a dinner with old college friends. Suddenly, I was overcome by heat and nausea. I left early, missing time with friends I rarely see and the beer sampler I ordered. Driving back to the hotel, I realized I had my first major hot flash. This was just the start of unexpected changes. In the following...

Keep Reading

I Didn’t Know You Were My Last Baby When I Had You

In: Baby, Motherhood

Mother holding newborn baby, black and white image

I didn’t know at the time that my last baby would be my last. Those late nights with little sleep. The days that felt so long, yet so full all at the same time. The pain that came with trying to breastfeed and wanting so badly for it to work. Learning who was truly there for you in moments that felt lonely. I didn’t know my body would never feel those first flutters again—or experience the emotional joy of meeting your baby face to face after nine months of waiting. I think that’s why I want so badly to experience...

Keep Reading

Here's to Us, Middle-Aged Moms Just Trying to Keep Up

Motherhood

Here's to Us, Middle-Aged Moms Just Trying to Keep Up

6 Ways to be an Awesome Ride or Die Friend

Friendship

Everything I Need To Know About Motherhood I Learned From My Mom

RELATED: You’re a Little Less Baby Today Than Yesterday

I used to wonder why she would get teary-eyed over birthdays and events.

RELATED: To My Mom: I Get it Now

I get it because motherhood is changing me—just like it did her.

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Rachel Weidner

Why Don’t We Talk About Jonah’s Mother?

To the Mom Worrying She’s Not Doing Enough This Summer

Your Worth As a Mother Is Not Defined By How You Feed Your Baby

A Mother’s Love Doesn’t End When Her Kids Move Out

The Hardest Part of Divorce Is Being Away from My Kids

I May Let Go of the Baby Things, but I’ll Hold the Memories Forever

Mom Showed Us Love that Lasts

This Is How I’m Raising My Sensitive Son

It’s Time for Us To Start Talking about Menopause

I Didn’t Know You Were My Last Baby When I Had You

Get It Now

So God Made a Mother

Everything I Need To Know About Motherhood I Learned From My Mom

I used to wonder why she would get teary-eyed over birthdays and events.

I get it because motherhood is changing me—just like it did her.

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

Why Don’t We Talk About Jonah’s Mother?

To the Mom Worrying She’s Not Doing Enough This Summer

Your Worth As a Mother Is Not Defined By How You Feed Your Baby

A Mother’s Love Doesn’t End When Her Kids Move Out

The Hardest Part of Divorce Is Being Away from My Kids

I May Let Go of the Baby Things, but I’ll Hold the Memories Forever

Mom Showed Us Love that Lasts

This Is How I’m Raising My Sensitive Son

It’s Time for Us To Start Talking about Menopause

I Didn’t Know You Were My Last Baby When I Had You

Previous Post

Next Post

You May Also Like