Six ‘Yello’ Mothers Reflect on the Saying “Wait until You Get Older”
by Lou-Ann Jordan May 3, 2022
Journalist Fiona Barton once said: “The emotions, responsibilities – and the pain – of motherhood are unique to each of us with children. Ask any woman, and she will have her own story to tell.”
Barton’s statement couldn’t be more accurate.
Motherhood comes with many joys, sorrows and a wallop of emotions in between. Thankfully, many of us can revisit lessons learned earlier that we now consider helpful as we parent our own children.
Those childhood lessons might have seemed restrictive or annoying at the time. However, as adults, we can attest to the benefits they provided when we reflect on them.
This year, we thought it would be interesting to ask some mothers at Yello to share lessons they received from their mothers.
One time or another our mothers may have said: “Wait until you get older”. The ominous statement was often said with a knowing smile because clearly, they knew something we didn’t.
So, to our group of Yello mothers, we posed this question, what was something about which your mum would say, “wait until you get older” that today, as a mother, you now understand.
We think you’ll enjoy hearing from women in varying stages of motherhood. Read on to learn what they had to say.
Edisa P. – Mother of one (Belize)
“Wait until you get older” brings back so many memories of my teenage years with my mum. As a young mum, I can surely attest that raising a child takes an entire village. (basicbluesnation.com)
My mum and I would constantly bicker because I felt she was too open about my educational or personal struggles. She would ask my grandmother or aunts for advice.
Now that I am older and a mother myself, I seek advice from many of my aunts, colleagues, mother-in-law, and especially my mom. I realise that you do need all the help you can possibly get. Cheers to all of us great women who are making it happen for ourselves and our families!
Marjolein B. – Mother of four, grandmother of one (Aruba)
My mum didn’t quite express it in that way.
When I was younger and wanted to hang out with certain friends, she would say “no”. She said that she did not “approve of them”. These friends were fun but could get me into trouble.
When I became older and a parent myself, I understood what she meant. I understood she was concerned about bad influences.
Sheryl R. – Mother of three (Jamaica)
I grew up with my grandmother from the tender age of three months to my early teens, so I really listened to her, trusted her and loved her dearly. She would always say, “follow my direction, because this is the easiest your life will ever be”, and that “manners would carry me through the world”.
Back then, the comedian in me used to laugh at her, and she would end by saying, “you may not understand now, but when you get older, you will”. “Grandma, ah! Now, I understand.”
My life isn’t so easy anymore, lol. I now have to pay my own bills, do my own laundry, cook and show up as a parent, a teacher and a nurse. Those words made me into a strong, independent and amazing mother and individual. These are the same words I tell my kids, hoping they will do the same to their kids someday.
Denise G. – Mother of one and grandmother of two (Barbados)
“Wait until you get older, what I am asking you to do is nothing; I am doing all the work” those were my mum Merline’s words. I’ve come to realise that this quote is so true.
Many years ago, I felt that at times my mother would be so unreasonable about the amount of work she wanted me to do inside and outside our home. As a mother, I understand she was the one who was doing most of the work, and I was only assisting with small portions. Many times, I know that she would have to redo what I did.
As a mum, my son complained whenever I asked him to do anything. I found myself echoing the exact words of my mother to him. Now older with two toddlers, I laugh at him when he complains about the boys playing when he asks them to clean their room.
Recently, I reminded my son about the times I told him, “wait until you get older”. The cycle continues. He now admits that I was the one doing all the work, and I now have the opportunity to tell him: “Welcome to life.”
Andrea R. – Mother of one (St. Lucia)
My mum always said that when she spoke about the sacrifices she made for her children. Having a 21-year-old, I now see it. As a mother, you think you’ve mastered the art, and then you’re presented with a new challenge. Motherhood is a journey, not a destination.
Patrina M. – Mother of two (Turks & Caicos)
My mother, now deceased for over five years, was a phenomenal woman.
She was a stay-at-home mum most of my life. She ensured that we had three square meals with options while still assisting our father, her husband, on our dairy farm from as early as 4 am every day, including Sundays.
So from a very early age, I had to assist in the household duties like cooking, cleaning and washing. As a teenager, that was not what I desired my teenage life to be. While my friends’ mothers did everything for them, even cleaning their sneakers, which I envied at that time.
My mum, in her infinite wisdom, would say to me: “Wait until you get older and you will realise that it doesn’t matter how successful you are in life. Every woman needs to learn to cook, plus you do not know how long I will be around, and you have to be self-sufficient.” I remember crying while kneading the dough one day because I just did not want to do it. And again, she reminded me of that saying.
As an adult, I truly appreciate the transference of the skills because I am a good cook, and now my family and friends get to enjoy my culinary skills, thanks to my mum. In her later days, she too got a taste of the result of her cooking lessons.
—
We’re sure that, like our Yello mothers, you have lessons you’ve gleaned from your mother, which you now pass on to your children. And, as you continue to shape the lives of those around you indelibly, Yello wishes you all many Happy Mother’s Days.
Source: BrainyQuote