Mother-daughter relationships are unique and complex; they are ever changing and go through constant ebb and flows. From the packed lunches and love notes to the arguments and more, mothers have the ability to help shape a teen’s perception of themselves and vice versa! We sat down with a mother and daughter duo, Alexis and Jolene, to better understand the roles that mothers and daughters have in instilling self love within one another. Together, they share how their relationship has helped them grow and shape their self care practices.
As Alexis says in the video, motherhood means growth. We’re constantly learning and evolving through our shared experiences, and channeling that into how we interact with one another. No relationship is #goals, but good or bad, we want to remind you that every relationship can be used as a tool for growth. Ultimately, we hope that this video inspires you to give your Mom a call and express your gratitude and appreciation for her this Mother’s Day.
Click Below to Watch Alexis and Jolene's Video!
To read the full interview with Alexis and Jolene continue reading down below. As a bonus, we’ve also included a couple questions on Sex Education!
Introduce yourselves! What do you love most about your relationship?
ALEXIS: My name is Alexis and the thing I love most about my daughter is her ENERGY! She has so much energy, so much fire and determination! And she has so many emotions and I think that’s amazing.
JOLENE: My name is Jolene and what I love most about my relationship with my Mom is that it’s really authentic. I can tell her anything and there will be no judgement, no criticism and I feel like it’s so special, especially at this time and age.
What are some ways you like to practice self-care together?
JOLENE: I love practicing self-care with my Mom through yoga and meditation. We say positive
Things, like what we want to achieve in the day together, everyday
ALEXIS: We write a note to ourselves and try to focus on that during the day. Sometimes it’s “Make yourself a priority” so the whole day you try to do this.
JOLENE: I think it started off in my lunch box
ALEXIS: It did!
What has your Mom taught you about self care and self love?
JOLENE: My Mom has taught me so many things about self-care and self-love. I think my favourite thing is that beauty comes from within. It doesn’t matter what you look like, I’ve met so people who are just amazing. I truly believe if you meditate, have a good diet and be kind to people that the world will be kind back to you.
On the flipside, what has your daughter taught you? In her words or actions?
ALEXIS: My daughter teaches me everyday, mostly by her actions about self-care and self respect by caring herself with such high esteem. She’s been through a lot and has always come out of it as a strong, independent, women. She’s never afraid to show her emotions and be true to herself.
And what does motherhood mean to you?
ALEXIS: Motherhood means to me.. Continually growing. It means love.
Alexis, fill in the blanks. I’m thankful for my Mom because ___________.
ALEXIS: I’m thankful for my Mom because she’s my best friend. We do everything together, we hike, meditate, talk. Without her in my life wouldn’t be complete. I’m so happy to have her in my life. Happy Mother’s Day Mom, I love you so much and I’m so happy to have you in my life. To all the other Moms out there.. Happy Mother’s Day!
Bonus Sex Ed Questions with Alexis and Jolene
How did you learn about periods, sex ed, and your body?
ALEXIS: I learned mainly from books and television. We did have Sex Ed when I was in 6th grade, it was the first time they introduced it at school. They gave us some information but not a lot!
What do you wish was different?
ALEXIS: I wish it was more talked about when I was a kid. Sex and your body were topics that you had to learn about on your own or you just don’t talk about. Me and my daughter talk all the time and I think that makes it easier. Your body is always changing - My body is still changing as I grow older too. It’s good to know about these things.
Jolene, how has your Mom made taboo topics like puberty and sex more approachable?
JOLENE: My Mom taught me about puberty and sex though communication. We always tell each other everything and we’re very open with each other. My mom knows more about myself than I do, hhaha. We’ve just always had a really open relationship. She’s told me so much about my periods and how my body will change and I feel like I can ask her anything.
