Article content continued

“But haven’t we all raised our kids that way? It seems a bit hypocritical that the adults aren’t behaving that way too, when we demand our children behave that way.”

In recent years, Trudeau has been very public about her battles with and treatment for mental illness. She has been treated for bipolar disorder and is a frequent speaker and advocate on the subject.

She said the positive tone her son brought to the campaign “was perfect.”

“He was positive. He never attacked. In this modern world, to win such a majority by being positive and by being optimistic and proactive about change … I couldn’t be more grateful to Canadians.”

That campaign tone, she added, is true to her son’s character.

The prime minister-designate, whose touchy-feely style is a contrast from Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s more buttoned-down approach, has always been that way, said his mother.

“Justin gives the best hugs in the world, he always has. No one should be offended in any way, he is just a warm, warm person. Justin is one of those beautiful people who genuinely loves other people and is genuinely curious about how they are doing.”

When he was a child, she said, she used to think of Justin as “bouncing Tigger” from Winnie the Pooh. “He was always energetic, he was always ready and always had fun ideas.”

However, Trudeau has some concerns for her son as he takes on the new role.

“As a mother, I couldn’t be prouder, of course, but I also have great concerns because this is the honeymoon. This is all very exciting, but these are very different times. Justin is up to it, but I don’t know what roadblocks he will be facing along the way.”