7 lessons I've learned from on-screen mothers

As we celebrate the spirit of motherhood today, let's take a look at some iconic on-screen moms and the important life lessons they taught us.

Being a mother is hands down one of the toughest jobs in the world. Imagine bringing a new life into the world, being responsible for its safety and well-being, and most importantly shaping it to take on the challenges of the world. A mother dons multiple hats in the process of bringing up a child with the most important one being that of a teacher.

It is rightfully said that mothers are our first teachers as they impart us with the initial lessons on almost every walk of life. They offer us a perception, help us understand the difference between right and wrong, and give us the wisdom that helps us navigate and make sense of our surroundings- sometimes through words or sometimes through their actions. 

This has also been depicted beautifully on-screen. The impactfully written roles and sincerely essayed characters have served us some important lessons that resonate deeply, shape how we view the world, navigate its challenges, and thrive in it. Here we take a look at some iconic on-screen mothers and the lessons they taught us!

Also Read: Bridgerton mamas and Indian mothers are more alike than we think!

Joyce Byers - Stranger Things

Joyce Byers is the epitome of fortitude when we talk about fictional moms. The courage and conviction with which she sets out on a mission to find her son Will who is struck in an alternate dimension in Strangers Things is inspiring. The coolest part about her is how she encourages her kids - Jonathan and Will to always be themselves and gives them the confidence to be comfortable in their skin. Joyce taught us that faith can move mountains and love can turn the impossible into possible. 

Marge Simpson - The Simpsons

Marge Simpson’s biggest superpower is holding a chaotic family together through the ways of unconditional love and patience in the animated show The Simpsons. Her ability to stay calm and supportive, no matter how wild things get, taught us that patience is actually the key to a lot of positive things and love is the glue that holds us all together!

Molly Weasley - Harry Potter

Molly Weasley from the Harry Potter series is proof that you can be tender and ferocious at the same time. Her warmth, protectiveness, and nurturing nature create a safe space for those around her but man oh man, she knows how to put people in their place, teaching us the importance of fighting back when the need arises. Not to forget her iconic ‘Not my daughter, you b*tch!’ moment'. This scene displayed tremendous fierceness amidst situations of wild chaos. 

Shashi - English Vinglish

Shashi’s arc from a submissive homemaker to a woman who understands her self-worth in English Vinglish was a treat to watch. Her journey in the film starts as a timid woman but her trip to the US makes her a street-smart and confident woman as she sets out to navigate the city on her own without any help. Shashi also learns English to reclaim her self-worth and conveys that moms deserve to live their dreams, teaching us that personal growth and justice matter.

Najma Malik - Secret Superstar

Najma Malik from Secret Superstar is another superwoman I look up to. In a toxic and patriarchal family, she gives her daughter Insiya the wings to pursue her dreams and despite being vulnerable herself shows immense courage in protecting her daughter’s agency and freedom in whatever little ways she can. Najma also proves that you can be brimming with courage and resistance even if it isn’t very loud.  

Queen Mother Elizabeth - The Crown

Queen Mother Elizabeth, the mother of Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, helps the 25-year-old monarch navigate through the burden of the responsibilities of the crown. She often reminds her to separate duty from personal indulgences and often clears her head when she is confused and unable to reach an important decision. As a young woman navigating the challenges of the world, there often comes a time when I'm confused between following my heart and doing the practical thing, Queen Mother's advice serves me a reminder that a decision must be reached after due consideration and weighing in all the aspects of a situation. 

Sumitra Verma - Deewaar

Sumitra Verma, mother of Vijay and Ravi, is your typical Bollywood matriarch. However, the physical and mental hardships she endured to raise her two sons as a single parent and her ability to stick to her principles despite all this was inspiring. The way she abandons Vijay after learning about his illegal trades and schools him about morals, went on to become one of the most important scenes in the history of Indian cinema. Her refusal to continue living with Vijay in his luxurious home and going with Ravi instead taught the viewers that nothing is worth compromising on when it comes to protecting the values you believe in!

Who is your favorite on-screen mother? Tell us in the comments below!

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