At an instinctive level, people have a sense of the characteristics constituting motherhood. Whether a child is biologically born to a woman or adopted, there is a bond formed unlike any other relationship. Mothers differ in style and technique, but most moms agree on the basics of what this critical role entails. However, approaching motherhood from the mindset of the positive influence a mother can have on her child culminates in a few precious nuggets of the essence of motherhood.
Mothers As Nurturers
Motherhood is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as first "a female parent," and secondly as "maternal tenderness or affection." Inherent in this definition is the role of a mother as a nurturer. Moms coo to their babies, using soft, sweet voices. They handle their children with gentle mannerisms and softness. In addition, mothers instinctively try to protect their children from pain and suffering. This includes emotional pain as well as physical discomforts. Mothers provide a nurturing environment where their children can feel safe and secure.
Mothers As Providers
Most mothers aim to provide for the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of their children. On a physical level, this may include a healthy, clean environment and nourishing food. Emotionally, the mother may try to provide a calm, safe haven, seeking opportunities to encourage the child and foster positive self-esteem. Mentally, mothers may sing and read to their children and later help them with homework. Mothers may also be the parent who introduces their children to religion or spiritual guidance. Becoming a mother can create a desire of wanting to ensure a child has every basic need met.
Mothers As Wise Counselors
As children stumble through their early years, they will encounter many challenges, often of the emotional and mental type. Mothers can create a safe sounding board for the child to discuss the class bully, the shame of failing, the indecision of what path to follow. One of the most marvelous things in motherhood is when a mother demonstrates unconditional love. In other words, no matter what the child did, the mother still loves the child and forgives her. Forgiving mistakes and wrongdoing is critical to the well-being of the human psyche. Because of their prior experiences, mothers can share their knowledge and relate to the child's difficulties in a sympathetic way. Then the mother can provide wise options and guidance to help the child move forward.
Mothers As Nurses
When a child is sick, a mother instinctively reacts to her child's condition, providing proper food, water and warmth. Moms provide the child with physical comforts and a place to rest. Through their gentle touch, moms can reassure a child that all will be well. That said, mothers are the ones who may raise the alarm when a child's temperature spikes or something is increasingly out of the norm, calling the doctor or taking the child to the emergency room. Moms may find nursing a sick child back to health as one of their deeper commitments to their young ones.
Mothers As Teachers
The first song a child hears is probably sung by his mother. A child's first book is often read by her mother. Mothers instinctively begin teaching children about the world through their communication and interactions with their children. In short, moms are a child's first teacher. Nancy Lu, author and parent of two gifted children, writes, "...I think of a parent as a farmer preparing a fertile and hospitable place for his seeds to thrive and flourish. He plows his field, sows the seeds, then labors day after day, feeding and irrigating them, getting rid of bugs, and watching over his field with love." It is a mother's daily feeding of information, language, concepts and healthy experiences that fulfills her role as her child's teacher.
Mothers As Role Models
Mothers set the example through their own actions as to how to handle situations and cope with life. By demonstrating such things as determination through tough times, grace under pressure and self-sufficiency, a parent can model for her child the skills needed to eventually become an independent, productive adult. As Janis R. Cohen, social worker and author, states, "Think about what you want your children to learn from you and what you want them to pass down to their children. Then make sure they see you live your life as you wish them to live theirs." In the end, motherhood involves allowing your child to move forward through the developmental stages and evolve into a capable person.
