That Moment When You Know You’ve Officially Turned into Your Mother

By Laura Deutsch, founder & co-owner of babybites

I’ve officially turned into my mother. Don’t get me wrong – my mom is awesome: smart, sassy, great sense of humor, and so much fun. When I think back to my childhood my memories are sweet and safe – she was there to watch me at every school function, recital, and soccer game. I would never have gotten through my teen years were it not for her constant pep talks and advice on everything from girl troubles to first loves to that 9th grade bully (a girl!) who used to stalk me, a newbie junior high schooler, and threaten bodily harm. She supported me emotionally and financially and was an incredible role model.

But nobody’s perfect, right? My parents have four children and I fall second in the order. When I was 7 years old my mom told me that she was having another baby – and that I’d finally have a sister. I couldn’t have been more excited! But then I got to thinking – she already had three kids and life was good, so why was she having another one? So I innocently asked her this question, and her response: “Because I need more love.” Yes, you read that correctly. She needed more love. Maybe she was in a mood? Maybe she forgot that I was 8? Regardless, it stuck with me and I’ll never forget it.

Luckily, even at 8 years old, I knew my mom was being sarcastic. Luckily, I was completely secure in our relationship, and I knew that she loved me and my two brothers very much and that we all gave her plenty of love. I truly wasn’t offended.

Fast forward 30 years later and now I’m the mom, driving in the car with my 6-year-old daughter to gymnastics. She innocently asks me why all of the houses have Christmas lights and nobody has any decorations for Hanukkah, the holiday that we celebrate. I knew this question was inevitable – it was just a matter of time. So without thinking, I turn around and said, “Sweetie, we live in a Christian world – just get used to it.” As soon as I said it, I knew that was the wrong answer. I wasn’t lying. The facts are the facts – and we DO live in a Christian world. But I certainly could have answered her in a much gentler, slightly more ‘PC’ manner, and I knew it!

What can I say? I was in a mood.

My daughter didn’t comment after I answered her. She was pensive for the rest of the way to gymnastics, as was I. Did I feel guilty about my answer? A little…but I still couldn’t help the little smile from creeping onto my lips. I had officially become my mother, and I couldn’t have been prouder. Nobody’s the perfect parent, we all get in moods, and our children somehow manage not only to survive, but to thrive, and live to tell.