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Words of Wisdom from Mothers & Grandmothers

Mother knows best? When it comes to parenthood, heartfelt words of wisdom are often the root of a blossoming family tree. Orlando Family Magazine asked local mothers to share their wisdom.

Jana

On-Air Personality, XL106.7 + Mom of One

Lessons from your mother?

“You can do a lot more than you ever thought possible once you become a parent. But, if you try to do EVERYTHING you will run yourself into the ground. Taking care of yourself is the first step to taking care of your children.”

Lessons from your grandmother?

“Always have a smile in your voice! People, especially children, always remember how you made them feel. If your voice is stressed, that feeling will resonate with them.”

Kristen Scruggs

Founder of Moms Run This Town (East Orlando) & Mom of Two 

Lessons from your mother?

“She taught me that standing out and/or being different is special, to not follow the crowd, and to be the best ‘me’ I could be.”

Wisdom for own children?

“I look forward to passing on the importance of being independent and unique. I know it’s hard when you’re younger and want to fit in and worry about what others think; so I am hoping that by getting my kids involved in many activities, they will find a passion (like I have with running) and stay out of trouble!”

Margie Sloane

Freelance Writer & Former OFM Editor + Mom of Two with Four Grandkids & Two Step-Grandkids

Lessons from your mother?

“Offer unconditional love and support. My mom was active in her church, always thinking of others, and my most avid champion (even when school and career aspirations took me far from home and potentially into harm’s way). I realized how important this support was when my own two girls came along.”

Wisdom to own children?

“I tell my girls (and any parent) to set priorities. Decide what is truly important and let the minor (albeit aggravating) issues go. It took me a while to understand that a messy room and low grades were not the serious problems but, rather, keeping them safe and healthy and helping them recognize that there are consequences to making a chancy choice. Low grades can be improved and chaotic rooms…OK these are annoying, but just keep the door closed and give them a hug when they come home safely.”

Maryann Barry

CEO of Girl Scouts of Citrus Council + Mom of Six with Six Grandkids (blended family)

Lessons from your mother?

“My mother was a free spirited journalist and very much a humanist. Family was her number one priority, but she made time to make a difference in our community. She left that legacy with me, as I hope to leave it with my children & grandchildren. Her open approach to life, love of people, and take-action attitude were infectious. She taught me the great weight and value of words and, to this day, I recite “it is not the message, but the delivery that determines the response” when faced with communicating challenging information. Words of joy are more powerful than nearly any force.”

Wisdom to our children?

“Three essentials to living a happy life: Believe in the absolute power of kindness and share it freely; be authentic in all you say and do; and don’t forget to call your mother!”

Mary Anne Hodel

CEO/Director, Orange County Library System + Mom of Two with Two Grandkids

Lessons from your mother & grandmother?

“The value of persistence and determination in spite of upsets and challenges. Both my mom and grandma were strong-willed women who were determined, persistent, and did not give up! They also taught me to do the very best job you can at any given job.”

Wisdom to own children?

“I advise my kids to conduct their life like it would be retold on the front page of the newspaper every day; that way they will never have any regrets.”

Melissa Mason Braillard

Director of Marketing at Orlando Shakespeare Theater + Mom of Two 

Lessons from your mother?

“My mom gave a piece of advice that still resonates with me: ‘Don’t try to make a happy child happier. You are almost always guaranteed to do the opposite.’ Now that I have a second baby, it’s still difficult advice for me to follow. I want to adjust his blanket so his feet are covered while he sleeps, or fix his train when it goes off the track ─ but both are fine as is.”

Wisdom for own children?

“I want my children to remember me as a mom who wasn’t afraid to play, use imagination, and be silly. It’s how I show them that I love them ─ every day. I hope that they will find their love language and pass it on to their children too.”

Sue Ventura

CEO of Easter Seals Florida + Mom of One 

Lessons from your mother?

“I was a single mom and so my own mother and father were a very important part of our lives. When my daughter was born, I felt an overwhelming, powerful love that I never knew. I had the strongest “ah-ha” moment, realizing how much my mother loved me! The power of a mother’s love is something you cannot explain until you feel it for yourself. My mother taught me about getting along with people. Everyone she met was a potential friend; she was genuinely interested in people, their families, their work, their problems, and their joys. This has helped me to be an optimistic and empathetic person.”

Wisdom to own child?

Life is a series of choices ─ make the best ones you can. Part of that is as simple as being yourself. Authenticity can be powerful and lead to strong relationships, personally and professionally. On a humorous note, I told my daughter that to be a good house guest, you need to say “please,” “thank you,” and flush the toilet! Though it was a playful joke, it added my direction to be a thoughtful, kind person with good manners.”

Ybeth Bruzual

Anchor, Central Florida News 13 + Mom of One

Lessons from your mother?

“A woman must be able to handle work, family, and keep herself looking her best! My mother is fashion-forward and her hair, nails, and outfits are always fierce. She also taught me about the endless love one feels for one’s child… like a momma bear defending/caring for her cubs. Even living in three countries, my mother always makes time for my sister and me.”

Lessons from your grandmother?

“A balance of softness and toughness. The hands that smacked us for being mouthy or acting out were also her same hands that hugged us for hours and offered praise. She also had a stellar work ethic.”

Wisdom for own child?

“Balance faith, family, and fun. No matter what career path, education level, etc… Respect the Lord, help others, bond with family, and take time to have fun. I like teaching my son that it’s OK to take a break from the routine to live and laugh!”

Photo of Melissa Mason Braillard by Briana Lugo.