Today on the Stress-Free Supermoms podcast, I'm sharing my journey of raising children without my mom’s guidance.
Growing up, my mother was my role model, and when she passed away, I was left to navigate motherhood on my own.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re parenting without a manual, especially if you're missing that special support from a parent.
I’ll dive into the lessons I’ve learned about resilience, gratitude, and trusting our instincts as mothers.
Becoming a mother without my own mother’s guidance has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. My mom was my rock, my source of strength, and the one person I always thought would be there to help me navigate this journey. But she passed away when I was 19, just two years before I became a mother myself.
This experience has taught me lessons I never expected: resilience, independence, and how to trust my own instincts. Here’s a glimpse into my story, the challenges I faced, and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way.
1. Learning to Trust My Instincts
Motherhood without a guidebook—or in my case, without my mom’s guiding presence—has taught me to rely on my instincts. Parenting advice from well-meaning family and friends has been helpful, but every child is unique, and I’ve found that my children often show me what they need through their responses and behaviors. It’s my job to pay attention and follow my heart.
2. Resilience Isn’t Optional
Early on, I realized that giving up was never an option. My husband and I became our children’s primary support system, and without family nearby to lean on, we quickly learned to build resilience. Each challenge—whether navigating health issues or the daily hurdles of parenting neurodivergent children—has only made us stronger. The “just keep swimming” mantra from Finding Nemo became my personal anthem, reminding me to keep moving forward no matter what.
3. The Importance of Modeling
As a mother, I am my children’s most influential role model. Through my actions, they learn how to handle stress, express gratitude, and build resilience. I want my children to grow up with the tools to become their own best selves and, one day, incredible parents to their own kids.
4. Building Community and Finding Support
I may not have my mother to guide me, but I’ve learned that a support system can take many forms. From friends and community members to online spaces, I’ve found that we can lean on each other and build the village it takes to raise resilient children.
Being a mom without a manual isn’t easy, but it has helped me to become a stronger, more compassionate parent. I hope my story inspires other moms to embrace their journeys, trust their instincts, and find the support they need to thrive.
If this story resonated with you, please join me over in the Stress-Free Supermoms Facebook Community. It's 100% free and private. Together, let’s support each other through the beautiful, messy journey of motherhood.