I hope my answer can be of some help to you.
It seems that this is a common pattern among mothers. Rather than directly expressing their concern, they tend to scold their children by accusing them. It's understandable that behind the scolding is concern and worry, but it can be challenging to navigate these situations and encourage a change in approach.
I would like to share some of my thoughts on this matter.
It is understandable that mothers are accustomed to this style of education, shaped by the background of the times and their own family experiences. This can make it challenging to shift their perspectives.
It's not just your mother who is like this. My mother is also like this, and I believe there are many, many mothers like this. This approach was likely learned from their own mothers, who in turn learned it from their own mothers. It's understandable that they didn't have access to other ways of teaching, and that they believed this was the best way to express reminders and care for their children without blaming them. It's not that they did this on purpose; it's just that they didn't have the knowledge or resources to do otherwise. Professional family therapy or self-growth and learning can help mothers recognize their own patterns and make adjustments.
However, this may require her to consider making some changes to her own behaviour, as this is something she has control over. If she is not ready to make these changes, it may be more challenging for us to influence her.
As the saying goes, "A single thought can change everything." There are three things in the world: one's own affairs, other people's affairs, and the affairs of heaven. It can be challenging when we feel troubled because we may not have control over our own affairs, but we may worry about other people's affairs and the affairs of heaven. Mom's pattern of behavior is her own business, and it is difficult for us to control. When we let go of our expectations of her and don't expect her to become someone who can express her concern directly, but instead allow her to care for herself in her own way, we may find it easier to cope with her accusatory concern. Because you accept her, you may be less offended and more able to show concern, rather than accusation.
2. It might be helpful to try to sense the underlying care and love behind the accusations, and to focus on that rather than getting caught up in the superficial actions and attitudes. This could help you to understand her better.
It is also possible to perceive that behind her accusations is concern and love for you, and that they are not merely superficial. We can also consider the reasons behind her accusations, her needs, whether she hopes you can listen to her, whether she hopes you can take care of yourself, and whether she hopes you can respect her advice. These are her genuine needs, and the act of accusing is not her primary intention. She cares about your physical health and hopes you can take care of yourself.
Perhaps her needs align with yours? It's likely that you also want to take care of yourself, right?
It's only natural to want to be healthy and avoid getting sick, right? Your needs are likely similar. If you can prioritize self-care and reassure her, I don't think she will accuse you anymore.
3. You might also consider communicating with your mother, expressing your feelings and needs, and setting specific expectations for her. It's possible that things might change as a result.
The family is a system. We have the power to initiate change within ourselves. When we have changed, other family members may also change accordingly. If you feel comfortable, you could try communicating with your mother. You could tell her your true feelings and needs, and make specific expectations and requests of her. You could use the method of "non-violent communication" to communicate again and again. I believe this could have some impact on her.
It is important to consider the timing of your communication with her. It may be helpful to choose a time when both of you are in a calm state. If either of you is in the middle of an emotional outburst, it can be challenging to communicate effectively. It may be beneficial to focus on describing and expressing your feelings objectively, without judgment or accusations.
For instance, you might choose a time when you are both in a good mood while shopping together, and then say to your mother, "Mom, I remember when I had a cold, and you said, 'I told you to wear clothes, but you didn't, and now you have a cold,' which made me feel really uncomfortable. I would really appreciate your understanding and care, and I would like you to comfort and take care of me when I'm sick, instead of blaming and accusing me. In the future, if I do something wrong, would you be willing to say to me, 'It's okay, mom will always be by your side and take care of you...'?" (Of course, you can adjust the specific content according to your specific situation).
It would be beneficial to listen to what our mothers are saying, to hear their feelings and needs, and what they expect and request of us. For example, she might say, "What if I lose my temper and can't control my tongue?" In that case, perhaps we could separate immediately and go to separate spaces, and wait until we've calmed down before talking again...
The purpose of communication is not to make someone listen to the other, but to create an environment where each person can understand the other's needs, which is essential for love and connection.
You might find it helpful to read the book "Nonviolent Communication."
Please feel free to refer to this as needed.
Wishing you the best!
Comments
She might not speak properly even when she means well due to a lack of confidence or fear of judgment, which can make it hard for her to articulate thoughts clearly. Understanding and addressing the root cause, like building her selfesteem or communication skills, could help her improve.
Perhaps she has a different understanding of what speaking properly means, shaped by her background or experiences. It's important to explore these differences and find common ground through open dialogue and mutual respect, which can lead to better communication.
Sometimes people struggle with expressing themselves effectively because they haven't had the opportunity to learn the right way to communicate. Offering support in the form of guidance or education on effective communication techniques can be beneficial for her to change this pattern.
It's possible that underlying anxiety or stress is affecting her ability to communicate as she intends. Creating a more supportive and less stressful environment might help her feel more comfortable and enable her to express herself more appropriately.
She may not speak properly because of a desire to fit in or be understood by others, which sometimes leads to adopting speech patterns that are not fully thought out. Encouraging authenticity and providing positive reinforcement for clear expression can encourage a shift towards more proper speech.