The Important Things Mom Taught Me

There’s no doubt about it—our parents and parent-like figures in our lives have a great impact on the people we become. Their words and actions instill our core values and offer our first glimpses into the world of adulthood. Whether it was a deeply philosophical life lesson or just a loving reminder to appreciate the little things, you’ll always remember the pearls of wisdom your mother imparted upon you.

In the spirit of appreciating moms everywhere, here are some great life lessons shared by associates of Carlton Cards and American Greetings.

As a child, I remember my mom telling me to always wear clean underwear and never talk to strangers (advice that I still follow to this day). One phrase that puzzled me as a child was ”Never wake a sleeping baby”. This totally makes sense now that I am a very busy mom and have to use every minute my son is sleeping to get stuff done around the house. - Carrie D, Mail Services

My mom is the most fun and positive person and I have learned so much from her by example and the way she lives her life every day.  She always told me not to sweat the small stuff which is so important in our hectic lives.  A very funny bit of advice she passed on to me is from her aunt: Spray the house with furniture polish to make it smell like you worked all day!   Not sure how many people still use furniture polish but it is worth a try. - Heather P.,Graphics)

When I think back to what my mother taught me as a child I realize she always wanted the best for me, and for me to be happy. Some of her most memorable bits of advice are ones I try to live by today which include ”Laugh everyday…it keeps the stress away” and “Work at something you love to do and then work will never really seem like work. Thinking back, these simple phrases have really helped me become the person I am. – Annaliza G, Marketing

“During my freshman year of high school, my mom gave me this piece of advice that even then, at the age of fourteen, really stuck with me, ‘You have your whole life to be an adult, to do adult things and have adult experiences. For now, just enjoy being a kid. You’ll thank me later.’ And she was right: I did .” – Maria S, Editorial

Once I had my own children, my mother always said don’t worry about house cleaning, just make sure your kids are fed and have clean clothes. Your children grow up so fast so make sure to take time to enjoy them.  My kids have grown up and I no longer have to push the crayons and paper to the side on the kitchen table to make room for meals or climb over half built fortresses in my living room. But because of my mom’s advice, my house is filled with memories of all the fun I had with my two daughters as they grew up. (Eleanor K., Marketing)