That definitely helps. I find it a lot easier to manage my food without gaining weight if I make my meals smaller and snack more often to compensate.
Besides, my genes predispose me to putting on weight. I inherit everything from my father except my metabolism, which is my mother's curse; you should see what she goes through to stay in shape.
It may be that you and your mother's genes are prone to do that if your diet isn't adjusted to your body type. What type of foods did your mother tend to serve when you were growing up?