Today is Mother’s Day – the day we set aside to recognize the women who have done so much for us. My Mom is an amazing lady who has taught me many things over the past 40 years. But I have to admit that there are a few things she did not teach me. While we were spending time together recently, I shared these things with her and got her perspective and permission to share with you today.

5 Things My Mom Didn’t Teach Me

Mom didn’t teach me about the internet and social Media:

When I was growing up, there was no internet. We had no idea that I would be working as a blogger, social media manager and writer when I became an adult. Mom didn’t teach me how to write a blog. She never explained the pitfalls and potential problems about using the internet, but she did prepare me for an online career by teaching me how to write and speak properly. She made sure I knew how to type correctly, plan out my schedule and communicate with others.

Even though there was no internet, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, I learned the importance of guarding the things I share in my public life. I quickly learned that ‘fools names and fools faces are often seen in public places’. Mom taught me lessons her mother taught her about being mindful of the things posted and shared for the world.

Mom and Dad never taught me how to be rich

…but they did teach us how to make responsible decisions with our money. They taught by example the importance of saving, giving, and spending wisely.

Mom didn’t teach me about texting.

No one had cell phones when I was growing up so of course, Mom didn’t teach me how to send a text. We never imagined that we would be able to communicate via text messaging or emails on our phone. But Mom did teach us proper manners. My parents made sure we understood how to talk on the phone and be respectful of others.

In 2015, many people think a quick thank you text or email is sufficient, but my Mom taught me how important it is to send a handwritten thank you note. Every birthday or Christmas we would have the lesson repeated – “If someone took the time to give you a gift, then you have the time to stop and say thank you the right way!”

Mom didn’t teach me to quilt

… but she did teach me how to use a sewing machine. It’s definitely not Mom’s fault that I am not a good seamstress. My Mom made my wedding dress and many of our clothes growing up, but I never quite mastered the art of sewing to make something fit. But because Mom taught me how to use a sewing machine, I have been able to make each of my kids their own quilt.

Mom didn’t teach me how to use a DSLR camera

but I can never remember a time when we weren’t taking pictures of the events in our lives. I will never forget how excited I was to own my first Instamatic 110 camera. The film and developing must have been expensive but we always had film, an extra flash and our own camera to take to camp, trips and on vacation. Now that I have upgraded to a Canon T5, I still use the things I learned about taking pictures to record memories with my family.

What things did you learn from your Mom? Are there lessons that you learned that make your life smoother now that you are an adult? As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s take a few minutes to write a thank you note or share a memory with the ladies who have helped make us who we are!