5 Parenting Guidelines My Mom Encouraged Me to Disregard

As I navigate the wild world of parenting, it’s become clear to me just how much my upbringing shaped my approach with my own kids. My childhood was filled with typical norms, but it was also rich with experiences thanks to my wonderfully unique parents. This Mother’s Day, I want to share five “rules” my mom, a fiercely loving and sometimes delightfully eccentric person, encouraged me to break:

1. Television Isn’t the Enemy

Growing up, my house was practically a shrine to TV, with twenty-two sets scattered throughout. I had cable in my room before I could even form words! I have fond memories of late-night shows with my parents and even attempted to script my own episodes of popular sitcoms. It’s comforting to realize that all that screen time didn’t ruin my education. So when my kids want to watch yet another episode of their favorite shows, I remind myself it’s okay—though I might still need them to turn down the volume!

2. Embrace the Unexpected

My mom is the ultimate Elvis fan. When he passed away, she didn’t hesitate—she packed a bag, found a babysitter for me, and hopped on a plane to Memphis for his funeral. She’s always been spontaneous, whether it was driving hours just to enjoy a beach sunset or embarking on a cross-country road trip with nothing but a weather map. Her adventurous spirit inspires me to encourage my kids to seize opportunities and embrace the unexpected, because life is too short for hesitation.

3. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

My mom’s openness about her passions—be it a love for chocolate or a favorite song—has always been inspiring. Her ability to be vulnerable has taught me the importance of sharing my own joys and interests with my children. I want them to know the things that make me tick, so they can learn the value of connection and openness with others.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Silly

If you’ve ever heard Bob Seger play, you’d know my mom won’t hesitate to break into a dance, no matter where she is. Whether it’s dancing at a family gathering or jumping on stage at an event, her fearlessness reminds me that being vulnerable and silly can create joy and connection. I strive to let go of my own inhibitions and encourage my kids to embrace their true selves without worrying about what others might think.

5. Engage with the World Around You

My mom can strike up a conversation with anyone, turning a quick chat into a heartfelt story. I admire her curiosity and ability to connect with others, even if I sometimes find myself too busy to do the same. Her approach teaches me the importance of recognizing everyone’s story and the connections we can make when we take the time to listen.

Reflecting on these lessons, it’s clear that my mom’s fearless nature has profoundly influenced my parenting style. While we might not agree on everything—like the time she claimed to have “potty-trained herself”—I recognize the invaluable wisdom she instilled in me that I hope to pass on to my kids.

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In summary, my mom’s lessons are all about living fearlessly, connecting deeply, and embracing the joys of life, and these are the values I aspire to share with my children.