Motherhood means you see world through child's eyes

My mother didn't offer the kind of companionship I now provide for my child. Back in my childhood, it was all about getting by. There wasn't any emphasis on developing lifestyle habits, fostering a love for reading, building character or exposing children to the world.

Reflecting on my upbringing, I realized that I wanted to give my child experiences that I had missed. This journey of motherhood has not only been about nurturing my child but also about rediscovering and nurturing myself. Seeing the world through my child's eyes has allowed me to revisit my own childhood and address the gaps I felt growing up. This journey has been as much about my personal growth as it has been about my child's development.

When raising my child, I often think back to my own experiences, such as if my mom did something that upset me, I would consider what she could have done differently to make me happy. I use this reflection to guide how I interact with my own child.

Through reading, exploring new ideas, and facing the challenges of motherhood, I have become more self-assured and independent.

I have learned to focus on what is important to me and my family, rather than being swayed by external opinions.

In doing so, I've grown stronger and more resilient, learning to prioritize what truly matters to me and letting go of external judgments.

Huang Meiling spoke with Li Hongyang.

Contact the writers at lihongyang@chinadaily.com.cn