Mom's Advice: How to Handle It and Make It Work for You

WE ALL ADORE OUR MOTHERS, BUT THEY OCCASIONALLY TEND TO BE OVERBEARING, especially when giving advice. They mean well, but let’s be honest, sometimes their advice can be outdated. But even though we may roll our eyes and groan inwardly when our moms start dispensing wisdom, there’s no denying that they often have a point.

So, what do we do when our mothers offer up unsolicited advice? Well, my friends, it’s simple. We take it. Because when your mother asks, “Do you want a piece of advice?” it’s a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.

Why we should listen to our mothers

Before you argue that your mom doesn’t know anything about your life or that her advice is outdated, hear me out. Yes, our mothers may not always understand our situations or modern-day problems, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have valuable insights to share.

Think about it. Our mothers have been around for much longer than we have. They’ve experienced more of life’s ups and downs and have likely encountered similar situations to the ones we’re facing now. And even if they haven’t, they still have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to draw from.

Plus, our mothers want what’s best for us. They love us unconditionally and would do anything to help us succeed and be happy. So when they offer advice, it’s coming from a place of love and concern.

How to handle unsolicited advice

Okay, so we’ve established that our moms can be a valuable source of advice, but what about those times when we don’t want to hear it? How do we handle unsolicited advice without hurting our moms’ feelings or coming across as ungrateful?

First things first, remember that your mom is just trying to help. Try to approach her advice with an open mind and hear her out. You never know; she may have a perspective you haven’t considered before.

If you’ve heard the advice before or know it won’t work for your situation, politely thank your mom for her input and explain why you won’t follow it. You don’t have to be rude or dismissive. Just be honest.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of advice you receive, set boundaries. Let your mom know you appreciate her input but need space to make your own decisions.

The benefits of listening to our mothers

Now, I know it can be tempting to brush off our moms’ advice and go our own way, but there are some real benefits to listening to what they say.

For starters, our moms have a unique perspective on our lives. They have a unique understanding of who we are and can provide perspectives that others might lack. They may also be able to see patterns or behaviors we’re unaware of and offer advice on how to address them.

Listening to our moms’ advice can also strengthen our relationships with them. When we take the time to consider what they have to say and show them that we value their opinions, it can make them feel appreciated and loved.

How to make the most of your mom’s advice

Now that we’ve established why we should listen to our moms and how to handle unsolicited advice let’s talk about how to make the most of our advice.

Be specific when asking for advice. Instead of saying, “I don’t know what to do,” try giving your mom some context and background information. This will help her understand the situation better and offer more targeted advice.
Ask follow-up questions. If your mom suggests a course of action, ask her why she thinks it’s a good idea or how it has worked for her in the past. This will help you understand her reasoning and may give you more insight into how to proceed.
Take notes. If your mom offers multiple pieces of advice or gives you a lot of information to consider, it can be helpful to write it down. This will allow you to refer back to it later and ensure you remember all essential details.
Remember, you don’t have to follow your mom’s advice strictly. It’s okay to adapt or tweak it to your situation to make it work for you. The important thing is that you’re considering her input and using it to make an informed decision.

When to trust your instincts

While our moms can be a great source of advice, there may be times when we need to trust our instincts. After all, we know ourselves and our situations better than anyone else.

So, how do we know when to follow our instincts and when to listen to our moms? It all comes down to weighing the advice against our values, goals, and priorities.

If our moms offer advice that aligns with what we want for ourselves and our lives, it’s worth considering. But if their advice conflicts with our values or goals, it may be time to trust our instincts and make a different decision.

The decision is ultimately up to you. But by considering your mom’s advice alongside your instincts, you can make a more informed choice considering all the factors at play.

Conclusion

When your mother asks if you want advice, it’s a mere formality. But instead of rolling your eyes or dismissing her, try to approach her advice with an open mind. Remember that your mom loves you and wants what’s best for you, even if her advice is unsolicited or sometimes needs to be updated. By listening to her advice, asking follow-up questions, and considering it alongside your instincts, you can make informed decisions considering all the factors at play. And even if you don’t follow her advice, you’ll show her you value her input and relationship.

Therefore, don’t roll your eyes or try to avoid the conversation the next time your mother asks if you want advice. Instead, take a deep breath, listen to what she has to say, and consider her perspective. She may surprise you with how much she can teach you. And even if her advice isn’t helpful, you’ll show her you value her and your relationship.

Give her a chance – you may be surprised at what you can learn. Remember, when it comes to our moms, sometimes it’s not just about the advice – it’s about the connection and love we share with them. So, cherish that relationship, and take advantage of all the wisdom and guidance your mom has to offer.