Happy 100th birthday, Betty White! Our beloved Golden Girl left behind valuable nuggets of wit and wisdom that you and I can surely take to heart.
I’ve compiled a list of 10 Betty White quotes that will make you a better mom:
“Why do people say, ‘Grow some balls?’ Balls are weak and sensitive. If you wanna be tough, grow a vagina. Those things can take a pounding.”
Can I get an amen, mamas? We ARE tough. No matter how ragged you feel, no matter how much you worry that you’re failing, you are beautiful and bad*ss, and don’t you forget it.
“Don’t try to be young. Just open your mind. Stay interested in stuff.”
Curious kids fare better in life. When put together, curiosity and hard work account for success just as much as intelligence. And how do kids model curiosity? From watching their parents. So don’t try to be young; embrace your age, whatever it is, and that joie de vivre will pass on to your kiddos.
“You’re never too old for anything.”
As a mom who just turned 50 and graduated with a master’s degree the very next day, I say, “Heck yeah!” to this. When I was in my twenties, I thought turning 50 would be “old,” but now that I’m here I feel more empowered and capable than ever, and I wouldn’t go back to that age if you paid me.
“Friendship takes time and energy if it’s going to work. Friendship can be so comfortable, but nurture it—don’t take it for granted.”
It doesn’t matter how old you are or what phase of parenting you’re in, having friends who’ve walked the path before you and alongside you are a lifeline. We need the wisdom and experience of the mamas who’ve “been there, done that, got the t-shirt,” as well as the support of the mamas who are deep in the trenches with us.
“I just make it my business to get along with people, so I can have fun. It’s that simple.”
Confession: All the mamas I know who have their panties all tied up in a wad are miserable. We can make a choice to get along, be respectful, and support each other. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Being a mom is hard enough without all the catfighting. Getting along with each other empowers us and our families. Come on, ladies, let’s have some fun. Who’s in?
“Don’t say the hurtful thing, even if you’re irritated or upset, because that sticks around.”
Now that I have an adult child, I appreciate being able to pick her brain about what I did as a mom that worked or didn’t work. Most of the time, the stories she tells about growing up in “the Hauserbubble” are funny. She’s also honest and tells me that some of the times I lashed out in frustration, times I let my own stress and overwhelm spill onto the kids, stuck with her. These are times I usually don’t even remember, but she does. And that makes my heart sad. I only have one kiddo left at home and I want to end on a high note! So I’m much more intentional these days to stop and pause before I unleash the claws.
“It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you don’t take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it can be a lifesaver.”
Attitude is everything. Isn’t that what we tell our kids? Well, let’s take our own advice!
“Laughter keeps everyone feeling wonderful.”
And speaking of not taking yourself too seriously, never underestimate the power of laughing…at yourself. We’ve been at this parenting in a pandemic thing for way longer than any of us expected, and while it’s true that laughter can be a lifesaver, it can also do more than just keep us keep us sane, it can help our families, too.
“It’s fun to show appreciation to the ones you love.”
Do you know your kids’ love languages? Have a little fun showing them just how much you cherish and appreciate them in creative ways.
“I learned from my animal friends: [Have] kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself. I think that keeps you feeling young. I really do.”
In honor of Betty White’s 100th birthday, you can participate in The Betty White Challenge by donating $5 to your local animal shelter. At Collin County Animal Services, all donations go to pay for those vital services that make pets adoption-ready so that they can go on to their forever homes!
