In honor of Mother’s Day, successful moms reflect on the lessons their own mothers taught them.
Mother often knows best. And even if she doesn’t, she’s still going to offer her advice! In honor of Mother’s Day, we asked some of Elizabeth Street’s most well known and successful moms what their own mothers taught them. So, in honor of the women who raised inspiring women, read on for our favorite Mothers Day quotes.
“When in doubt, cook!”
Kids can get so engrossed when they are just given something to chop. Plus, it’s great talking time. We practice Greek and she tells me about her day. —Nia Vardalos, actress, author, producer
“Take the phone off the hook during dinner!”—Cindi Leive, Editor in chief of Glamour
“Never cut bangs. Always have a great bag.”
But seriously, my mom taught me to put family first and continue with traditions. We live 3,000 miles away so it gets hard, but we’ve been doing a pretty good job.—Lisa Sugar, founder, Popsugar
My mom gives me tons of solicited and unsolicited advice, but the one I find myself going back to is: “If you are going to do something, you might as well do it well, and the right way, the first time around.”—Laura Ching, Co-founder and chief design officer of TinyPrints and Shutterfly
My mom always taught me that there was nothing I could not do. I try and reinforce that with my kids at every turn.—Christiane Lemieux, founder, Dwell Studios
My mother, Deborah Macy Osmun, who had four children, told me: “Listen to each child differently and treat each child differently. Each one wants to be listened to, heard and respected as a unique individual.”—Alexis Maybank, founder, Gilt Group
I don’t know if it’s the best advice, but one thing that has stuck with me is no television at meals. It seems simple but it’s easy, particularly in today’s world. —Liz Lange, founder, Liz Lange Maternity
“My mom never said it out loud, but certainly she advised in her actions: Never be afraid. Don’t be afraid of hard work. Gross bugs. Different people. Being alone. Being vulnerable. Noises in the dark. Dying. You’ll pick yourself up. You’ll make it work. It’s what I try to teach my sons and daughter every day. Thanks, Mom.— Carley Roney, co-founder of The Bump, The Knot and The Nest