There will come a day when my child will view me as out of touch—an inevitable moment that fills me with dread. While I have a decade before this realization hits, it looms large in my mind. This incredible little person, whom I carried for nine months and cherish beyond measure, will eventually look at me with a mix of disbelief and pity.
It’s the natural progression of parent-child relationships: as children grow, their opinions of their parents’ wisdom often diminish, hitting a low point around the ages of 18 to 22. My son, who just turned three and is already tossing around words like “telekinesis,” will soon be asking me questions that will leave me scrambling for answers. Just yesterday, while we were playing superheroes, he asked me to embody Raven and “do the sarcasm” with him. (“Oh, of course, I’d love to do the sarcasm,” I retorted with a wink.) The thought of the questions to come sends me into a panic, but thank goodness for Google. Without it, I’d be completely lost.
“Mom, why is the sky blue?”
“Well, it’s about light and wavelengths. And… um, there you go.” (quickly Googles “why is the sky blue”)
“Mom, what was the Big Bang?”
“Uh, it was when gas balls exploded?”
“But why did they explode?”
“Um… they were hot? (hastily searches “Big Bang”)
I try to view these upcoming challenges as chances for personal growth and rediscovery, but I fret over my son realizing how inadequate my knowledge is. Thanks to the complexities of new educational standards, I fear my time as the all-knowing parent is dwindling.
It’s natural for children to surpass their parents. I genuinely want my son to be more informed and educated than I am. I dream of him backpacking in Spain, conducting scientific research at prestigious universities, and immersing himself in diverse cultures. I want him to explore his passions and master whatever field he chooses. But with that growth, will he still need me?
In today’s world, the necessity for mothers has diminished. If I need to know how to cook a filet or remove a stubborn stain, I simply consult Google. Even regarding relationships, I often forgo my mother’s advice, thinking her experiences as a lifelong spouse don’t apply to my single life. In almost every scenario, why would I turn to my mother—a single individual with her own limited experiences—when I have a universe of knowledge at my fingertips?
I wonder if my mother feels a disconnect since I don’t rely on her as much as I could. But I’ve come to understand that the essence of our bond goes beyond merely exchanging information. Yes, the internet is a treasure trove of answers for life’s ordinary dilemmas, but my mother provides comfort that Google cannot replicate. When I’m gripped by anxiety, only my mother can reassure me, “This will pass, I promise.” When self-doubt creeps in regarding my writing aspirations, it’s her words that ignite the spark to persevere.
That’s the role I aspire to fulfill for my son. I’ve accepted that I may never possess the knowledge or experience to be the perfect mother he deserves, and someday he might be disappointed in me. I’m not going back to school for a Ph.D., and I can’t even differentiate between a crocodile and an alligator, despite countless Google searches. But ultimately, he will need me to say “It’ll be alright,” and I will be there to deliver that message—because I am the one who can make him truly believe it.
So, Google, take a step back; my role as a mother is irreplaceable, and I will embrace it fully.
This article was originally published on Jan. 7, 2011.
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Summary
In an age where information is just a click away, the role of mothers has evolved, yet their emotional support remains irreplaceable. While children may outgrow their need for factual knowledge, the unique bond and reassurance that only a mother can provide are timeless and essential.