By Chloe Anderson
Most women I know cherish the experience of motherhood. It has broadened our ability to love and reshaped our identities as women. Parenting is an all-encompassing endeavor — it demands that we be the best versions of ourselves, even as it depletes our essential energy reserves. As we navigate through this journey of raising children, we must also recognize that our kids are carving their own paths.
Children often struggle to understand that we, too, were once in their shoes. They sigh and insist, “You wouldn’t get it,” or “You can’t possibly know what I’m experiencing.” To them, we are solely their mothers, just as we viewed our own moms in the past.
We’re the ones who tuck you in at night and peek under the bed for monsters. We remember your preference for crunchy peanut butter sandwiches, with crusts meticulously trimmed away. We wear practical shoes and always have extra Goldfish crackers stashed in our bags.
But we are so much more than just mothers.
Some of us were adventurous spirits. We played kickball with neighborhood friends for hours and climbed towering oak trees in our backyards. We captured fireflies in mason jars until our parents called us in for dinner. Others of us were the ringleaders of mischievous adventures.
We dreamed of becoming veterinarians, police officers, or Olympic gymnasts. We fell asleep wearing our Wonder Woman pajamas, dreaming of exploring the world. We craved significance and yearned for freedom.
We adored music, playing cassette tapes repeatedly, memorizing every word of “Dancing Queen” to impress our peers. We spent countless hours lost in our rooms, listening to our favorite bands, connecting with their nostalgic lyrics about lost loves and bygone days.
We kissed boys behind school bleachers and swapped clothes with friends at school — outfits our mothers definitely wouldn’t have approved of. We told our parents we were going to the movies, only to sneak behind theaters to see upperclassmen sipping from brown paper bags. We were bold and carefree, reveling in the fun of youth.
Our summers were spent swimming laps at the community pool with friends, sipping cherry soda, and enjoying cheese sandwiches under beach towels while our dads played racquetball. Nights at the skating rink were filled with laughter, arms linked together, with our favorite comb sticking out of our back pockets. We were unstoppable.
Some of us were more reserved, spending years trying to fit in. Moving to new schools and states forced us to start anew, molding ourselves as we searched for belonging.
We experienced love — more than once. We were eager to give our hearts away, only to learn the importance of ensuring that our love is cherished. We were someone’s everything, the center of their universe.
We were determined. Some completed college while juggling two jobs and living off ramen noodles. We traveled with friends, sharing stories and making plans on summer nights. The world felt like it was ours to conquer.
Motherhood has undeniably transformed us for the better. However, we were all of these things long before you entered our lives. We’ve walked the same paths you’re on now. Your hopes and fears are familiar to us. While we may not fully understand everything you’re going through, always remember that we are more than just mothers; we were once just like you.
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Summary
Motherhood is a transformative journey that enriches our lives, but it’s essential to remember that we’ve all been kids too. We had dreams, adventures, and experiences that shaped who we are today. Understanding this connection can bridge the gap between generations.