How to become better friends with your mom

As much as we love our moms, it’s not always easy to see eye to eye, but maintaining a strong relationship with the woman who raised you is important. One of the best ways to do that is to work on becoming better friends. We have some tips on how to do just that. 

Listen to her

The first step in improving your relationship with mom (and in turn becoming better friends) is to become a better listener. It’s so easy to gloss over what she says, pretend to listen as she tells you about why your sister should reconsider her latest boyfriend or the newest diet she and your father are trying. But no matter what she’s talking about, make an effort to actively listen. Ask questions, offer opinions and otherwise let her know you’re present and she can count on you to be a sounding board if she needs it. The more you listen, the more connected you’ll become.

Accept her

We all have moments where we want to roll our eyes at something Mom is saying (or wearing), but let’s face it -- we all have quirks, and there are likely things you do that drive your mom nuts. Boost your bond and become better friends by being more accepting of your mother. The time you spend together will be much more relaxed and a lot more enjoyable.

Make time for her

The only way you’re going to become better friends with your mom is if you make time for her. We know you’re busy, but the more effort you make to spend one-on-one time with Mom outside of obligatory family dinners, the closer you’ll become.

M-O-T-H-E-R
"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O" means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of purest gold;
"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
"R" means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"
A word that means the world to me.