This is a sponsored post on behalf of  who wants to celebrate strong mothers everywhere this Mother’s Day. As always, opinions remain 100% my own.

Strong mothers raise strong daughters. My mother taught me that. And I see it now first hand, raising three children of my own, including two daughters, empowering them with the same lessons my own strong mother shared with me. In honor of Mother’s Day, and in partnership with Ultra Strong™ trash bags, who believe in ultra strong moms everywhere, here are 5 ways my mom made me the strong woman I am today, and how you can do the same for your own daughters.

5 Lessons Strong Mothers Teach Their Daughters

My mom was the fifth of eight children. Growing up in a house of ten teaches you to be self-sufficient, and how to stand out if you want to be heard. She was 20, single and a college sophomore when I was born, but that didn’t slow her down. She finished school, and went on to teach early elementary school for three decades, while also raising a family, finishing graduate school and teaching college courses.

While she flourished in her career, her career choice also enabled her to always be present in our lives. Through her presence, guidance and modeling, she taught my siblings and I these invaluable life lessons.

The Irreplaceable Value of an Education

It will come as no surprise that my mother valued education. As a life-long educator, education always came first, and not just in a formal school setting. From the dinner table to the backyard, outings to the local zoo or even the grocery store, learning never stopped. Not when the school day ended, and not even when you graduated. My mother always had a stack of books on her bedside table, and for as long as I can remember, was always going to conferences and taking continuing education courses. Education is invaluable and never stops.

The Power of Independence

My mom always says that your job as a parent is to work yourself out of a job. If we were capable of doing it ourselves, she made sure we did. She did it at home, and with her kindergarten students at school. Children rise to whatever bar you set for them – so set it high and encourage them to reach it.

You can also make it easier for them to be independent by putting dishes, snacks and drinks where they are accessible to them. Even your toddler can clear their table or get their own snacks for lunch.

Hard Work + Persistence = Achievement

My mom worked hard. Often not only teaching, but working second jobs, teaching summer school or going to school herself to provide more for our family. And it paid off with increasing income, continual recognition as a high achiever in her career, and as an inspiring model to her children.

It’s probably also why my sister and I believe we can (and have to) take on everything we can, often to the point of our own exhaustion, but the results are more than worth it.

Confidence is Believing In Yourself

Be your own source of confidence. Confidence starts from belief in yourself, but my mom also taught me it doesn’t hurt to embolden yourself by always dressing for the occasion.  It makes it easier to never take no for an answer.  All too often we allow others to define our limitations – but the only thing standing in your way is your own belief that you can do it, if you try. Recognition or achievement may not always be immediate, but as long as you are learning from your mistakes, keep trying.

How to Shop Savvy

Not only is my mom a strong mother, but I trust her choices too. I still buy the brands my mom bought when I go to the grocery store because I know they are the best choice for my family. And  Ultra Strong™ trash bags are always my choice. With 3 kids just like my own mom, I don’t have time for trash bags that tear and leak.

My kids, empowered to be independent, throw away their own trash and will overstuff the trash can.  Ultra Strong™ trash bags feature Triple Action Technology to resist tears, punctures and leaks. The break-resistant grip drawstring prevents the bag from falling inside the can (or breaking when you try to pull it out).   Ultra Strong™ trash bags also feature ARM & HAMMER™ patented odor neutralizer.

This Mother’s Day, knows moms know best and are ultra-strong. See how  is helping to celebrate strong  mothers everywhere.

You can find more practical parenting advice here and on my Pinterest boards, Practical Parenting and Raising Girls.

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hefty®.