What my younger self couldn’t recognize is that, despite my vows to never be like my mother, the moment I became a parent, everything shifted. The arrival of my son marked the start of me saying and doing things that mirror my own childhood memories of her. Honestly, I can’t glance in a mirror without being reminded of her face (thanks for the chin, Mom). As the proud mother of two teenagers, it’s amusing (and slightly horrifying) to realize I make them cringe daily, just like my mother did to me—she’s going to get a kick out of this list!
1. She struggled with technology. I can’t figure out my phone!
No matter how many tutorials we gave her, my mom could never quite grasp how to record a show. We’d groan and tease her about it. Fast forward to today, and I find myself pleading with my son to help me navigate my smartphone. My daughter just shakes her head when I ask her to “record” something on the streaming app. Seriously, I just want to watch my favorite show!
2. She shared awkward stories at gatherings. I have social media for that!
Nothing was more mortifying than when a neighbor would comment on my new hairstyle because “your mom told me all about it!” Now, when my kids pull a funny or embarrassing moment, they shout, “Please don’t post that online!” Yeah, right, kids…
3. She made me eat foods I despised.
My least favorite meal was definitely those frozen fish sticks. When Mom would excitedly announce “fish from the yellow fisherman” was on the menu, I cringed deeply. I promised myself I wouldn’t put my kids through such meals. Apparently, that promise slipped my mind when my child burst into tears over peas the other night.
4. She unleashed her inner cleaning monster.
Summer afternoons spent watching TV were always interrupted by the sound of the vacuum and that unmistakable Pine-Sol scent. Mom would dive into her cleaning frenzy, and when her shirt ripped, we knew it was time to act fast. Nowadays, my kids witness my own cleaning rampages at least once a week—okay, maybe more like twice.
5. She made awkward small talk with my dates.
Teenage dating is tough enough, but it gets worse when you can’t drive yet. My mom would drive my dates and me to events while making small talk, and I’d just wish to disappear. I thought I was doing better with my son until he recently asked if I could sit elsewhere during his fro-yo date. Well, if I’m not sitting with you, you better pay for my treat!
6. She said embarrassing goodbyes in the carpool line.
When Mom dropped me off at school, she would yell out goofy goodbyes that made me want to disappear. Now, I find myself shouting “Tuck and roll!” with a pop song blaring as my middle-schooler exits the car. I bet my mom had a good chuckle all the way home, because who doesn’t love a silly goodbye?
7. She took ages to find things.
Whether she was rummaging through her enormous purse for a coupon or searching for her keys, my mom always seemed to take her time. Or at least, that’s how my ten-year-old self felt. Now, as I wander my life asking, “Where are my keys?” I realize my kids probably drove her nuts too, because I lose everything!
8. She sounded ridiculous when she was furious.
There were moments when my mom was so mad that she spoke in a way that was hard to comprehend. The mix of furious phrases and wild expressions almost made us laugh if it weren’t so intimidating. Just last week, I yelled, “Don’t look at me in that tone of voice!” and I caught my son trying not to giggle. He didn’t dare laugh, though—those wild eyes!
9. She kept the good candy hidden.
I once stumbled upon a stash of chocolate hidden away, and when I asked about it, Mom snapped at me to mind my own business. I thought she was being selfish! Now, I act like a wild animal when my kids approach my secret stash of chocolate treats.
10. She warned me I’d understand someday.
When my mom exclaimed, “Someday when you have kids, you’ll get it!” after cleaning up yet another mess, I rolled my eyes. How hard could parenting possibly be? Now, as I strive to be the best mom possible, I fully grasp the effort she put in. So, Mom? That day has come, and I finally get it.
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This article captures the humorous and heartwarming moments of parenting, showcasing how we often become our parents in unexpected ways.