Mom's advice can fit every occasion
CATHY KAFRVE Bullard Banner News

As part of the "sandwich generation," I find myself living my life between my parents and my children.

Our parents' generation grew up during World War II and experienced an expanding, urban economy, along with a boom in college education made possible by the GI Bill.

Their perspective is seasoned with years, experience, and the humility that is a byproduct of health issues as one ages.

At the same time, our house is often filled with our children and their friends; young people who are close to finishing college.

They are an energetic, enjoyable generation; full of confidence and an open, tolerant perspective.

All of which makes them fun to chat with because they have given a lot of thought to their lives already and they are not timid about sharing their opinions.

Lately, I have been polling folks to find out what wisdom their mom gave them that was especially helpful.

The following are my favorite mom quotes so far.

"Oh well." Starting with my own mother's advice, this is what she says to remind herself, and me, that we don't get to control other peoples' ideas or decisions.

"Mistakes are an opportunity to be creative." Shared by an art teacher, this particularly applies to kindergarten art students who usually have a grand idea without having the skills to implement their vision.

"You are Hand-made," meaning that God designed each person, with every strength and weakness being precious to Him.

Therefore, each person ought to try to live up to his own potential and reflect well on his Creator.

"Goofiness puts everyone else at ease," meaning that if you trip going into your high school reunion, everyone else will immediately laugh, relax, and feel a whole lot less selfconscience.

"The purpose of education is to serve others," a helpful thought when children are struggling to choose a major in college.

"Serve others and the money will follow."

Another useful thought to help kids follow their dreams and natural talents, rather than focusing on the pay scale that is associated with each diploma.

"Truth can stand scrutiny," a concept that is easily embraced by the younger generation who grew up researching information on the web.

Rather than accepting expert advice based on the credentials of the expert, they are used to evaluating information based on its inherent accuracy.

We all get tired of sound bites that bombard us everywhere, from politics to advertising.

However, in the daily effort to parent well year after year, it is nice to know that some of our words actually stick.

Not only that, but they take on a life of their own, equipping our kiddos to instinctively make good decisions in that allimportant split second.

With that in mind, I asked one of my own children for their favorite mom quote, meaning something I've said over the years that was especially helpful.

"Man, I've gotten so much advice," was the first response.

"Oh well," I thought, thinking of my own mom's advice

with a smile.

!

Cathy Primer Krafve, aka Checklist Charlie, lives in East Texas with her family. Send your favorite mom quotes to features@Bullard News.com.