I Want My Mother Back tells the story of a teenage girl named Jeniffer, who feels misunderstood and restricted by her mother’s rules. Frustrated, she wishes for a new mother—and to her surprise, a fairy godmother appears to grant her wish! But as Jeniffer meets three very different “mothers,” she soon realizes that no one can ever replace the love, care, and patience of her real mom. This play reminds us that sometimes the things we take for granted are the ones we should treasure most.
CHARACTERS
JENIFFER
MOTHER
VOICE (Fairy Godmother)
MOTHER 1
MOTHER 2
MOTHER 3
SCRIPT:
(Jeniffer and her Mother enter the living room. Jeniffer is arguing with her mother.)
JENIFFER: But I’m fifteen years old! I want to hang out with my friends! Why can’t I stay out past midnight? All my friends do!
MOTHER: You’re not as old as you think you are. And if your friends come home late, that doesn’t mean you can. You’re my daughter, and while you live in this house, you’ll follow my rules.
JENIFFER: That’s not fair! You just want me to do what you want. I’m a good daughter!
MOTHER: A good daughter? Then why don’t you have good grades in math? Why don’t you wash the dishes when I ask you to? Why don’t you go to bed early? You should do what I tell you — not when you feel like it.
(Jeniffer gets angry and starts flipping through a magazine.)
JENIFFER: Okay, whatever you say. I’m not perfect.
MOTHER: You know what? I have to go — I’m late for work. Please clean the bathroom and the living room, and don’t forget to wash your clothes. Oh, and don’t open the door to strangers.
(Mother leaves.)
JENIFFER: (furious) Blah, blah, blah! I’m not doing anything. I wish I had another mother!
(A mysterious voice is heard.)
VOICE: Your wish is granted!
(Jeniffer jumps onto the sofa and hides under the magazine.)
JENIFFER: Who are you?!
VOICE: I’m your fairy godmother, sweetie!
JENIFFER: That’s impossible! I’m just imagining things.
VOICE: Oh, little girl, this is your lucky day. You made a wish, and you woke me up. So, tell me — what kind of mother do you want?
JENIFFER: First of all, don’t call me little girl.
VOICE: All right, young lady. Make it quick — I don’t have all day.
JENIFFER: Hmm… I want a mother who treats me well, lets me do whatever I want, and buys me everything I like!
VOICE: Your wish is granted!
(Mother 1 enters, elegantly dressed. She sits on the sofa and starts reading a magazine.)
JENIFFER: Wow! Mom, listen—
MOTHER 1: Little girl, don’t call me mom! I spend a fortune on beauty treatments and plastic surgery just to look young, and you call me mom?
JENIFFER: I’m sorry! I just wanted to say I’m going out with my friends. I’ll be home late, and I need some money to buy things to look as beautiful as you.
MOTHER 1: (hands her a credit card) Take it. Do whatever you want.
JENIFFER: Do you remember that story I told you about my friend—
MOTHER 1: I gave you what you wanted. I don’t have time for your stories. I’m going to the beauty salon. Bye!
(Mother 1 leaves.)
JENIFFER: What’s wrong with her? She doesn’t even act like my mom! Fairy godmother, this isn’t what I wanted!
VOICE: Why are you yelling? Tell me — how did it go with your new mother?
JENIFFER: It was awful! She didn’t care about me at all!
VOICE: So, what do you want now?
JENIFFER: I want her to love me and listen to me.
VOICE: Are you sure that’s what you want?
JENIFFER: I’m sure! Please, do it!
(Mother 2 enters.)
MOTHER 2: My dear daughter! My precious girl! I missed you so much! How are you, sweetheart? Tell me everything! I’m all ears!
JENIFFER: Oh, Mother, calm down. Everything’s fine. I just wanted you to be different… but not this different!
MOTHER 2: What would you like to eat? What do you want to do? Tell me everything, my darling!
JENIFFER: Mom, stop! I can’t breathe!
MOTHER 2: Are you hot, sweetie? I’ll turn on the air conditioner!
JENIFFER: No, no! I’m fine! It’s just that—
MOTHER 2: Are you tired? Sit down, I’ll take off your shoes. Do you want a foot massage?
JENIFFER: No, Mother, you don’t understand! You know what? Go to the store and buy me something to eat. I’m hungry.
MOTHER 2: Of course, sweetheart! What do you want?
JENIFFER: Whatever you want. Bye, Mother!
(Mother 2 leaves.)
JENIFFER: Fairy godmother! What’s wrong with you? You keep giving me mothers I don’t want!
VOICE: Sweetie, you said you wanted someone who cares for you, who loves you, and who listens to you.
JENIFFER: Yes, but not that much! Maybe someone strict—yet also loving and fair.
VOICE: Very well. Your wish is granted!
(Mother 3 enters, standing tall and serious.)
MOTHER 3: (sternly) Stand straight!
(Jeniffer stands up like a soldier.)
MOTHER 3: Do you want to eat something?
JENIFFER: (nervously) Yes.
MOTHER 3: Say “Yes, ma’am!”
JENIFFER: YES, MA’AM!
MOTHER 3: From now on, meals will be served at exactly twelve o’clock. You are not allowed out after ten. You may watch television from five to six, and bedtime is at eight o’clock sharp. Understood?
JENIFFER: YES, MA’AM! But… can I go to bed a little later?
MOTHER 3: No exceptions! And now, clean the house. I’m going shopping. When I return, I expect everything spotless — or you’ll be punished. Understood?
JENIFFER: YES, MA’AM!
MOTHER 3: Remember, I do all this because I love you.
(Mother 3 leaves.)
JENIFFER: I can’t believe this! Fairy godmother, what’s wrong with you?!
VOICE: What’s wrong with you? I give you what you ask for, and you still complain!
JENIFFER: Because it’s not fair! I trusted you, and you’re just having fun at my expense!
(Jeniffer begins to cry.)
VOICE: Listen, Jeniffer. I only wanted to show you what you already have. You don’t need to look for a better mother — you already have one. Tell me, does your real mother care for you?
JENIFFER: Yes, she cooks my favorite meals.
VOICE: Does she listen when you have something to say?
JENIFFER: Yes, she’s always there for me.
VOICE: Does she punish you sometimes?
JENIFFER: Yes… But I don’t like it.
VOICE: When we’re young, we don’t realize that discipline is also a form of love. When you grow up, you’ll be free to make your own choices — but for now, your mother guides you because she loves you.
JENIFFER: I guess you’re right… Sometimes it’s hard to be a good daughter. I just want my mother back!
VOICE: And remember — it’s also hard to be a good mother.
(The phone rings. Jeniffer answers.)
JENIFFER: Hello… Mom! I’m so happy to hear your voice. Don’t worry, I’m fine. Are you coming home soon? … Yes, I’ll clean the house. Pizza? Sounds perfect! Mom… thank you for being my mother. You’re the best mom in the world. I’m sorry for how I’ve behaved. I’ll try to be a better daughter. I love you, Mom. See you soon.
(She hangs up and smiles.)
JENIFFER: Thank you, fairy godmother. You really taught me a lesson.
Through her magical journey, Jeniffer learned that no one can replace the warmth, care, and love of her real mother. Rules, scolding, and discipline are not signs of cruelty but of deep love and concern. The play reminds us to appreciate our parents while we have them — because their love is one of the greatest gifts in life.
The End
Author: K I D S I N C O
Moral of the Story: A mother’s love may not always give you what you want, but it always gives you what you need.
Moral Values:
- Love and appreciation for parents
- Respect for family rules and guidance
- Gratitude for what we have
- Understanding that discipline is a form of love
- Communication and empathy between parents and children
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👉 External Resources:
- Sesame Workshop – Family and Emotional Well-Being. Activities and resources to help children express their emotions and strengthen family bonds
- PBS Parents – Understanding Feelings. Guides and videos that help kids recognize and manage emotions like frustration, love, and gratitude.
- KidsHealth – Feeling Sad or Angry
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