My mother taught me many valuable life lessons which I will never forget. I am now passing these on to my children.
These values have shaped me and have contributed in making me a resilient mother. There is a saying which goes, mother is gold. This literally means that mothers are “priceless jewels” because many of them make selfless sacrifices for their children and homes to thrive.
My mother is very special to me because she is the epitome of a true Nigerian woman. She is resilient, determined, loving, kind, an encourager amongst many things.
As mother’s day approaches, I reflect on the essence of motherhood and the role that most mothers play in the lives of their children as primary caregivers.
I feel that mothers should be celebrated every day for the selfless service which many of them provide to their families and communities.
I also acknowledge the role of my late father who was a part of the “dream team” that enabled my mother to excel in her role as a mother. I applaud the many supportive fathers, husbands, and father figures who are supporting mothers in raising children.
I reminisce with nostalgia the many life lessons that my mother taught me. I will be sharing 8 of them. I will also be sharing how I am passing this to my children.
8 Valuable Life Lessons My Mother Taught Me
1. Train Up A Child In The Way They Should Go
I was taught how to pray, read the bible and nurture my faith by my mother. My parents raised my siblings and I in the Christian faith and the foundation was based on the bible verse which says:
Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6)
There were bumps along the way whilst raising five children, but my mother was always on hand to support and “pray about” any pressing issues.
How I am passing these values to my children
My husband and I are bringing our children up in the Christian faith. We have incorporated family prayer sessions and bible reading in our daily lives.
We intentionally use devotionals that are targeted at children to enable us engage in open conversations about faith.
This usually evokes a story about what happened in school or with friends, providing opportunities to teach and learn from each other.
2. To Be A Positive Role Model
My mother practiced what she preached by modeling the positive behavior she taught us. My siblings and I watched how she managed her home and dealt with, any stress that came her way.
She loved unconditionally and nurtured her marriage and children. She was also kind and patient in her interactions with others.
How I am passing these values to my children
I am raising my children to be kind, considerate and caring. I am also teaching them to appropriately challenge stereotypes, racism and other forms of injustice.
We have also discussed current and historical positive black female role models and what they represent.
3. Hard Work Pays Off
I was taught that hard work pays off and there is dignity in labor. Nigerians are known to be hardworking and resourceful people who are known for their entrepreneurial spirit also known as “hustling”.
My mother taught me that hard work doesn’t always guarantee riches. However It makes you proficient in your skill which will eventually pay off when you become an expert in your industry.
How I am passing these values to my children
I strive to be a role model for my children by being a working mother. Through my work I teach them valuable life lessons on work ethics, earning power, teamwork and organisational skills.
Working from home while the kids were home during the lockdown, gave them an insight into how hard adults work to earn money.
Being a working parent often comes with its guilt and challenges, but the rewards are enormous. Here are some tips by Very Wellfamily to help you overcome any working mom guilt.
4. Show Respect
Respect is ingrained in Nigeria culture because it is a hierarchical society where age and status are respected. It is assumed that with old age comes wisdom which should not be challenged by younger people.
I did not always agree with this ideology but had to live with it. However, preceptions are changing in Nigeria and the younger generation are beginning to challenge when necessary.
How I am passing these values to my children
I strive to be respectful in my interactions with my children so they can model this behaviour. I encourage them to show good manners and positive social interaction skills in their relationship with others. I also teach them positive ways to challenge and resolve conflicts.
5. Knowledge Is Power
My mother, like most Nigerian parents believe in the power of education. Academic and honorary titles are respected in Nigeria, therefore many people work hard to earn this. My parents ensured that my siblings and I attended university in order to have better life prospects.
My mother is a retired teacher so is well aware that knowledge does not start and end in the four walls of a school. She encouraged reading, exposure to different cultures, travelling etc.
How I am passing these values to my children
I am empowering my kids by nurturing their mental health, creative and artistic talents. Furthermore, I engage them in a variety of things such as after school activities, reading culturally diverse materials and travelling.
6. Give Generously
My mother taught me to be hospitable and to help people who are in need. She also taught me to take gifts when visiting families with young children.
How I am passing these values to my children
I am teaching my children to give by modelling generosity when I give to the church, charity and exhibit acts of kindness to others. I encourage participation in shoe box appeals and giving to charitable causes.
7. Be Resourceful
Resourcefulness is a skill which my mother taught me. She understood the importance of creative thinking and thinking outside the box.
She handled the unpredictability of life and the complexity of the Nigeria society by thinking on her feet and dealing head on with situations as they came.
How I am passing this on to my kids
I support my kids to reflect on their actions and encourage them to think of ways to tackle adversity on their own.
I also encourage independence by teaching, supporting and giving opportunities to try new things.
8. Practical Life Skills
I was taught practical life skills like cooking, cleaning and money management. This knowledge was helpful when I lived independently.
How I am passing this on to my kids
I am teaching my children important life skills which will help them when they become independent. The lockdown created many opportunities to teach new skills through fun activities and play.
Conclusion
I am thankful for the valuable life lessons that my mother taught me as it helped in preparing me for many life challenges. Thank you Mum and all the significant mother figures for all you do.
Leave a comment to share the most valuable life lessons your mother taught you.
I love this post. Such a sweet reflection to your mother and what you’ll be passing onto your own children.
Thanks, Courtney.