In a world spinning faster than ever, with apps that change weekly, work that follows us home, and adulting that comes with no manual, there’s one place many of us still turn to for guidance: Mom.
Whether she said it over your school tiffin, during an epic life meltdown, or while folding laundry with one hand and fixing your confidence with the other, moms have a special knack for dropping life truths that stick with you. Some of them sounded downright silly when we were kids (“Always carry a hanky”? Really?), but over the years, we’ve realised: Mom has always been always on point.
So ahead of Mother’s Day, we're taking a light-hearted, nostalgic look back at timeless ‘mom-isms’- those bite-sized pearls of wisdom that still hit home in today’s complex world. They’re part parenting wisdom, part emotional resilience, and all heart.
Here’s what a few women had to say when we asked them: What’s the best life advice your mom has given you?
‘My mom always tells me: Enjoy the little things of life and don't stress about tomorrow.’
- Rosalyn about her favourite piece of advice from Antonette Manuel (64), Healthcare Professional & Single mom to Rosalyn and Peter
‘I’ll always remember my Nani’s words: Utilise the sun- it lifts the rustiness from your expensive sarees and the dampness off your dil.’
- Shammi on words she lives by from Jamila Bibi (68), Homemaker, Mom to Nazma Mondal & Grandmom to Shammi & Sarah
‘I can’t thank my mom more for teaching me to never throw away clothes you love; they will always come back in style.’
- Sonali Valecha on Sujata Valecha (59), Style Consultant & Mom to Sonali Valecha
‘My maa always told me to be financially and emotionally capable. It comes above all else.’
- Isha on what she learnt from Ujwala Kukde (60), Boutique Owner & Mom to Isha
‘I’ve always wanted my daughter to be independent. I used to go to the office since she was very young, and she’d keenly wait for me every evening. But I knew that when she’d grow up, she would know why I did what I did,’ adds Ujwala.
‘Invest in yourself because your personal space is important. You have to learn how to say no without feeling guilty- this advice from my mum always came in handy as a new mother.’
- Quizal Mehta (33), on the best advice she got from her mom Pina Mehta homemaker and mom to Quizal, Charmin & Mokshil.
‘My mother-in-law always emphasised taking care of oneself. She still spends five hours every day on her hair and skin. Her best-kept secret is my go-to: a herbal extract oil, made at home, massaged into the scalp till the roots sing- it’s the best for my hair!’
- Radha on the best self-care advice she swears by from her mother-in-law Kalyani (62)
What’s the best advice your mom has ever given you? Tell us in the comments!