Almost 81 million women in the United States are mothers, according to the National Organization for Women. The organization reports that nearly 6 million are stay-at-home moms, while the rest work outside of the home. Although it's tough to prepare completely for the thrills and challenges of motherhood, understanding the various roles a mother takes on helps you embrace the experience.
Role Model
Children watch the behavior of adults and mimic it. Kids are constantly studying the language, cues and actions of their parents. If a mother uses proper manners and grammar, her children most likely develop good manners and proper grammar as well. If a mother uses foul language, her children are likely to speak improperly. If a mother plays an active role in her community, her children are likely to emulate her as they grow up.
Nutritionist
In many homes, the mother is the primary cook for her children. She prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner. Oftentimes, she is also responsible for offering healthy shacks throughout the day. Kids trust that their parents are feeding them well-balanced meals. It is often the mother's responsibility to buy and prepare meals that help her children thrive. It is also often the mother who teaches her children how to eat healthfully.
Nurse
Mothers are often the primary caregivers for their children. They know their children better than anyone else. That is why a mother is most often the first person to determine if her children are not feeling well. Especially when children are very young and not able to express their feelings, mothers are responsible for determining if their children are sick. Oftentimes, mothers nurse their sick children through the night until they can get medical attention in the morning. Mothers are often the at-home pharmacists who dispense medications and pain relievers.
Teacher
Whether you send your children to a traditional school or offer home-schooling services, all mothers teach their children important lessons. You start educating your child from infancy when you teach him child that nodding his head means "yes" or shaking your head means "no." You teach your child how to talk, walk and use the potty. The lessons continue as you help your child learn the alphabet or complete his homework.
