There are no perfect mothers.
They do what’s best for their child because they love them, but for some, those choices may not always necessarily be healthy.
As children grow up, things usually get complicated. Arguments may be frequent, differing opinions and misunderstandings increase, and parents begin to wonder what happened to the sweet child they used to play with.
This concern is commonly experienced—and is seemingly magnified by the upcoming elections where families struggle to maintain relationships due to polarizing political beliefs.
If you are looking for ways to improve your relationship with the ilaw ng tahanan, here are 5 tips to develop a healthy relationship with your mom:
Tip #1: Communicate with your mother
Good communication with your mother entails more than just talking. It is knowing when to talk, when to listen, as well as what to say and how to say it.
Family Education suggests some points to keep in mind the next time you chat with your mom: respect her privacy and boundaries, listen objectively, and do not interrupt or use words that are accusatory.
Tip #2: Make an intentional effort to develop a healthy relationship
A healthy relationship with your mother is a two-way street.
Sometimes, it is not a lack of love that ruins relationships but a lack of effort. Thankfully, there are many ways to strengthen parent-child relationships, which means there are many ways to show constant love and appreciation to your mother!
Tip #3: Do your best to understand one another
No one is perfect; people make mistakes – including your mother.
During times of conflicts or misunderstandings, know that you have the choice to forgive. Try to understand why your mother does what she does. Ask God to give you the power to see right through any differences and see your mother through the lens of love.
Tip #4: Keep your relationship God-centered
Oh, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)
A God-centered relationship with your mother means Jesus is at work between the two of you. You speak and act with God’s love, joy, and kindness. It is a relationship where respect and grace abound.
You can have a healthy relationship with your mother despite differences, because you have received God’s love. Share that love with your mom and allow her to see Christ’s unconditional love through you.
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Tip #5: Pray for God’s grace and strength to sustain you
The flesh and heart may fail, but God’s sustaining grace will hold you together.
This piece of truth comes in handy when you want to develop a healthy relationship with your mother.
This Mother’s Day, pray for your mom and with your mom. Seek God and ask Him to give both of you mouths that speak life, hands that are gracious to comfort, and hearts that love unconditionally.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV)
Are you struggling to have a healthy relationship with your mother?
We would love to pray for the both of you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center or email your prayer request to [email protected].
