Since Mother’s Day has just passed, I wanted to dedicate this article to my mother and any mothers who aren’t afraid to be stern with their children, especially in today’s society. But sternness isn’t a sign of a lack of love, but rather is a sign of care, protection, and most importantly, love.

When I was a little girl, I didn’t know what the word stern was. I just assumed my mother was mean. I knew she loved me because of all she did for me, and she even told me she loved me. As I grew older I started to understand that the “meanness” I saw was nothing more than her being stern. I appreciate my mother for being stern with me. She isn’t the type of mother that I can talk to any type of way or even say “what” to. I always say yes ma’am and no ma’am. Yes, my mother and I are very close, but I know that she is my mother, so I treat her as such.

I appreciate her sternness now because of how I grew up. I was taught to respect my elders (which has brought me many of blessings), how to carry myself, and how to have faith in God. One thing my mother has always told me and continues to tell me is never conform to the ways of this world. That is something I’ve been learning more and more of since I’ve been in college. Growing up, I was always allowed to attend birthday parties and sleepovers and have my own, go out with friends, join organizations and pretty much anything. She never stopped me from exploring life. Even though she is stern, I don’t look at her as being strict because I was allowed to do these things. When I came to college she never pressured me into a major; she has allowed me to grow and find my way, just as long as I include God and tell her. Even when I changed my major and declared my minor, she was all on board for it. But although I’m in college, I still have to give her the same respect I’ve given her my whole life.

Her raising me the way she did has brought me many great things in life. I’ve had many opportunities and I’ve compliments on the respect I give to others. My mother being stern is a step that is taking me to higher places in life.

I thank her more and more every day and I’m reminded of the care she has for me every day I speak to her. Although I’m away in college I make a point to talk to her on the phone at least once a day.

Her mother was the same way with her and her grandmother was the same way to her mother. So this goes back many generations. The point of being stern is so your child can grow and be the best that they can be. This world isn’t an easy place to be in, and having that one person that care about you makes your life worth living. The question of will I be stern if I have kids in the future, yes I will, and it’ll only be because I care and want what’s best.

Happy Mother's Day!