Matthew McConaughey shares how his mother, Kay McConaughey, instilled in him the importance of gratitude and good table manners by sending him back to bed if he displayed an ungrateful attitude at breakfast.
Matthew McConaughey, the beloved actor known for his roles in films like "Interstellar" and "Dallas Buyers Club," recently opened up about the invaluable lessons his mother, Kay McConaughey, taught him about gratitude and good table manners. During an appearance on the "Your Mama's Kitchen" podcast with his wife, Camila Alves, McConaughey recounted how his mother's strict rules shaped him into the humble person he is today.
Growing up, Kay McConaughey was not a skilled cook, but she always made sure that her sons, Matthew, Michael "Rooster" McConaughey, and Pat McConaughey, had hot meals every morning. However, the breakfast table was more than just a place to fill their stomachs; it was a sanctuary of manners and appreciation.
If Matthew or his brothers displayed any sign of ingratitude or grumpiness at the breakfast table, Kay McConaughey would swiftly intervene. She would send them back to their rooms, instructing them to stay there until they could come to the table with a more positive attitude.
"She'd go, 'Get back in bed, and do not come in this kitchen to have the breakfast that I made you until you're ready to see the rose in the vase instead of the dust on the table,'" McConaughey recalled.
According to McConaughey, his mother's "big line" about the "rose in the vase" extended beyond the kitchen and instilled in him a broader perspective on gratitude. She believed that it was essential to focus on the blessings in life, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
Kay McConaughey's rules were unwavering, and she would chase her sons all the way back to their bedrooms to ensure they got the message. She would make them stay there until they were ready to return to the table with an attitude of appreciation.
"She goes, 'Get back in bed.' You'd get back in bed with your clothes and your school bag and everything and get under the covers. And she'd go, 'Now I'm going back in the kitchen. Let's do this over. You come back in and go 'Wow look I got scrambled eggs or I got toast again,'" McConaughey said.
When Matthew returned to the table with a more positive attitude, his mother would welcome him warmly. "She goes, 'Good morning to you sunshine. Look at that. Another beautiful day — wasn't guaranteed.' That was always the kick. You had to get started on gratitude for the day," he recalled.
McConaughey's wife, Camila Alves, shared that she was raised with similar rules regarding table manners. In Brazil, there is a common saying that emphasizes the importance of knowing the intentions of the person who prepares your food.
"It's like you need to know who you're eating your food from, and if the person has a bad heart, you don't eat it. You just do not eat that person's food," Alves explained.
Alves believes that this adage instills a sense of respect and appreciation for those who prepare and serve food. It reminds people that food is not just sustenance but an expression of love and care.
Today, McConaughey and Alves carry on their mothers' traditions by teaching their own children the importance of gratitude and good manners. They believe that these lessons are essential for raising respectful and compassionate individuals who appreciate the simple things in life.
In conclusion, Matthew McConaughey's mother, Kay McConaughey, played a pivotal role in shaping his character by teaching him the importance of gratitude and good manners. Her unwavering rules and the mantra of "the rose in the vase" instilled in him a deep appreciation for the blessings in life, no matter how small. The lessons he learned at the breakfast table continue to guide him and his family today.
