My Parents Inspire Me #InspireCare #LATISM

Growing up I never really understood the way my parents parented.  Especially when I was a teenager.  I had a curfew.  All of my friends didn't.  I couldn't go to slumber parties.  I couldn't have friends over.    I made my room my haven and lived on the phone.  They were so strict.  I remember crying myself to sleep a couple times because I couldn't go hang out at the mall with my friends.  Crying so hard into my pillow and saying, "I hate you Mom" under my breath.  I always thought all my friends that got to do what they wanted were the lucky ones.  It wasn't until I had kids of my own that I began to appreciate my parents and realized I was the lucky one.      

My parents are my inspiration to be the best mother I can be.  All the rules I thought were harsh when I was a teenager was because they cared.  I understand now that all they were doing was trying to protect me from a rough world.  I know now that all my parents wanted was the best for me, just like I want the best for my own children.  Being raised their way made me independent and not have to depend on others.  My parents taught me not to be a follower and work hard.  It made me a strong woman and ultimately, a great mom.  In some ways, I'm raising my kids with the same values my parents raised me but in my own light.  I learned to trust my children.

Now that they are grandparents, I know that they are happy with the way I parent.




Johnson & Johnson and its partners support global motherhood with programs that meet the needs of moms and babies in the U.S. and around the world.  Get involved in raising awareness about global motherhood by using your social networks for social good!

Attending LATISM 2012 in Houston?  Stop by the Johnson & Johnson suite in Arboretum II to discuss the work they do!

These photos represent a few of the many programs supported by Johnson & Johnson and its partner organizations to serve the health and well-being needs of communities and people around the world.  To read more about these programs and others that help us care for those in need, please visit our website:  http://www.jnj.com/connect/caring/

Disclosure:  This is a compensated post in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All opinions are my own.