As this is a blog about motherhood and family life, I thought it would be really interesting to get a different perspective on motherhood, so I posed ten questions to my own mother, to see if a whole generation makes a difference when it comes to values and priorities. I’m hoping that all of my readers will pick up the thread and go ahead and ask their own Mums ten questions. It’s really important that we know our relatives, so that we can pass on all of their wisdom and memories to our kids, and this is just my little way of doing it.
Here’s the result!
1. What do you think, so far, has been your happiest moment as a parent (aside from the birth of your kids)?
When you passed your 11 + and was accepted into a grammar school, and when Emily [my younger sister] played piano on stage, in a school performance, three years ago. On both occasions, I felt unbelievably proud.
2. And what has been your worst?
When you were hospitalised with Meningitis, aged 6.
3. If you could go back and do anything differently, would you, and what would you do?
Yes, I would try to be more patient.
4. When your kids were growing up, what did you think they would be when they were older?
I thought you would be a doctor and your sister would do something with animals. [Cue much sniggering from me when I ask if my Mum means something along the lines of the ringleader in a circus!]
5. What’s better, being a grandparent, or being a parent?
Parent, because you don’t see grandchildren every day.
6. What one piece of advice would you give to your kids about being a parent?
Read between the lines. You don’t always hear what your kids are trying to tell you.
7. If you hadn’t had your kids when you did, where do you think your life would be now?
I’d probably be living in another country as I would have taken the opportunity to be more reckless!
8. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Pretty much the same as now, but maybe with a bit more money, and freedom from the stresses of life.
9. Which part of your own personality do you see the most in each of your kids?
I would say that your musical taste is very similar to mine, you’re a good mum, and are a total softy with Sausage! Emily is far too much of a pushover with certain people.
10. What has being a parent taught you?
That parenthood is the hardest job in the world!
There you have it. I dare you all to ask your Mums the same questions (or your own), you may learn some things that you never knew about them!
A fab idea Jayne. Love it. My mum doesn’t know what a blog is & would wonder why I’m asking the questions, so I’ll have to pass unfortunately.
Disney is known for doing fairytale adaptations… and fairy tales were not always written for children. In fact, Charles Perault, the French writer known for Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and others actually expected the tales to be told at Court to the Noble men and women in France. So-not-for-children. Many original tales are full of more adult theme than just the violent side… we have been given watered down versions over the years.
If this interests you, many books have been written on the history of Fairy Tales, but you are right in wondering why about what we should shield our children from and what not to worry about.
Keep in mind, also, that at the times of these tales (back in the Oral tradition of tale-telling) Kids saw many more horrors (be-headings were PUBLIC, for heaven’s sake!) and sometimes the fairy tale was thought of as a way to scarae children into good behavior. (IE red riding hood not meant to be scary about wolves but meant to be a precautionary tale: mom says don’t go into the woods alone, so don’t!)
Anyway… really interesting stuff… and sorry for the long reply, you just got me thinking!
Please stop by and visit again…I’m new to blogging and I welcome the company.
http://35daysamonth.blogspot.com/2011/01/everyday-magic.html
This post ends with a Disney video that doesn’t have any of the scary detail.
Be well,
Brilliant idea – I’m going to ask my mum the same things! Your mum’s advice is also very useful!
I’m currently just writing a blog about how the material necessities have changed in the past couple of generations, so its very interesting reading about how the emotional necessities haven’t changed at all.
Oh, you must send me the link once the post is done, that sounds fascinating!
Thanks, I will. Would love you know what you think of it when its done.
I meant, would love TO know what you think of it when its done, Sorry.