“When you look at your mother, you’re looking at the purest love you will ever know.”—Charley Benetto
With Mother’s Day around the corner, you may be wondering how to express love to the motherly figure(s) in your life. Whatever your plans, make time to celebrate all mothers, including stepmothers, foster mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends and more.
While flowers and cards are nice, some of life’s most meaningful gifts can’t be bought. Instead of a material gift this year, why not give a special woman in your life the gift of conversation to help you learn more about her.
Below, we outline five questions to ask your mom this Mother’s Day to strengthen your relationship.
1. What have you learned from your children?
From career changes to birthday celebrations, your mom has spent a great deal of her life by your side. She has cared for you and shaped you into the person you are today.
But have you ever wondered if you have taught your mother something as you’ve grown? Asking a question like this helps you understand the impact you’ve had on your mother. While she has taught you a number of life lessons, chances are you have taught her a few things, as well.
For fun, record these conversations to share with your own children and grandchildren someday.
2. What has given you the most joy as a mother?
Finding joy is all about perspective. And even on the most challenging days, mothers choose joy. Take time to reflect on some of the joyous moments you’ve shared with your mother.
What stands out? Perhaps the moment she saw you walk across the stage on graduation day. Or maybe, the time she found out she was going to be a grandma.
Whatever it may be, sharing stories and scrolling through photo albums can help bring these joyous moments back to life.
3. What’s the best thing about being a mom? The hardest?
As great as your childhood, teenage years and transition into adulthood may have been, it’s likely there were some bumps and bruises along the way.
By asking this question, you get a real snapshot of what motherhood entails. It helps you understand both the good and bad from your mother’s perspective.
This can open the door to deeper conversations about parenting and raising children.
4. What are your life goals and aspirations?
How well do you know your mother? While she’ll always be the one you call mom, she may have hidden talents you never knew about, or thought to ask.
Put the spotlight on her by asking questions about her life goals and aspirations. Did she always want to be a mom? What changed once she found out she was pregnant with you?
Questions like this can help you understand who she is as a person—beyond just her role as your mom.
5. What’s one thing about our relationship you would change?
If you wish to build a stronger connection with your mom, now is the best time to ask hard-hitting questions about your relationship.
What would you change? While it may be a difficult question to answer, this is designed to be a productive exercise that results in positive outcomes for both parties.
Whatever your relationship, brainstorm ways to make more time for each other. In doing so, you’ll enhance communication and cut down on conflict.
Continue the Conversation this Mother’s Day
To continue the conversation, we encourage you to download Busch’s Essential Guide to Meaningful Conversation to keep the conversation going this Mother’s Day and beyond. You’ll get access to 25+ conversation-starting questions and tips for in-depth discussions with the people who matter most to you. Download your copy today in time for Mother’s Day!
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