I didn’t realize how neglected I was growing up until I became a mother.

As a child, your normal is just normal. You don’t question it because you have nothing to compare it to.

It wasn’t until I had children of my own that I started noticing things.

When my kids came home from school, I wanted to know how their day went. I wanted to know if they were struggling, if they needed help, or if something was bothering them.

That’s when it hit me.

Nobody ever asked me those questions.

My parents never cared about my education. And when I say they didn’t care, I mean they truly didn’t care. I could be failing classes and nobody would notice. Nobody checked homework. Nobody asked about tests. Nobody sat down and said, “Let’s figure out why you’re struggling.”

The person who eventually stepped in wasn’t my mother or father. It was my aunt.

As a mother now, I cannot imagine not knowing how my children are doing in school.

That realization was painful. now with reading and educating myself on the topics and actually doing the job myself and trouble shoot I think I will be ok. No one knows what they are doing and as long as I’m trying to be better everyday I’m clear on my conscience. 🙂

There were many moments in motherhood when I found myself doing something simple for my children and suddenly thinking, “Wait… why didn’t anyone do this for me?”

Helping with homework.

Listening to their worries.

Making sure they feel safe.

Checking on their emotional well-being.

These things seem basic to me now.

But they weren’t part of my childhood.

Motherhood didn’t make me angry at my parents. It made me understand how much responsibility comes with raising a child.

Children don’t just need food and shelter.

They need attention.

They need guidance.

They need someone who cares.

Every time I show up for my children, I’m reminded of the things I needed when I was young.

And maybe that’s one of the unexpected gifts of motherhood.

It gave me a chance to become the parent I wish I had.