Motherhood is a term that, for many, creates a particular concept or image. Traditional roles for women suggest that motherhood is a complete vocation. However, a mother's role continue to evolve both in society and at home. Some responsibilities, though, stay the same throughout history as they are biologically defined. Other roles fall traditionally to mothers as caretakers of the family.
Bear Children
Whether a woman raises a child or not, a mother is biologically designed with the capacity to bear children. Some women choose not to have children, and others choose to act as surrogates for those who cannot have their own children. While having a male partner is helpful, it is not required for procreation. But a mother is required for a child to come to fruition.
Nurse
Again, nursing is a biological function as the hormones for pregnancy enable a woman to lactate to nourish her child. However, not all women are successful at nursing and formula is available to nourish a child who is unable to nurse or for whom a lactating mother is not available.
Manage the Family
For many women, whether they stay at home or work outside the home, motherhood means tracking appointments, practices, school holidays, doctor and dentist visits, scheduling vacations and ensuring snacks make it to school for birthday celebrations. A mother typically manages the family calendar and communicates with her partner and offspring about upcoming try-out days, equipment needs and scheduled appointments.
Foster Development
A mother is her child's first teacher. Whether it's potty training or understanding subtraction, a mother typically supervises homework and acts as the child's first educator. In the very early years, mothers provide sensory experiences to ensure that children grow and develop. Mothers read aloud to their children, fostering their early literacy skills. Mothers also patiently point out common objects and name them, enabling speech and auditory development. Mothers also focus on and can often identify early any delay in a child. While all children develop differently, they follow a typical path. Mothers in touch with other mothers can often spot a developmental issue early on to ensure the child receives any needed support.
Mothers also teach their children appropriate social behavior (how to share and take turns) as well as responsibility (by dividing chores or requesting assistance with a task).
Nurture
Mothers are traditionally the parent who caretake and grow the child. The role is larger than arranging playdates and organizing nutritional meals. Mothers know their children and their individual needs and can recognize and circumvent impending tantrums or issues. Mothers gently guide their children and encourage their burgeoning intellectual and emotional selves to ensure children become self assured, responsible individuals.
Work
Many women return to work once they have their children. In 2007, 81 percent of women between 40 and 44 were working women, notes the U.S. census. For some mothers, the need is simple economics. For others, though, the need is more convoluted; mothers want to continue to succeed professionally and make use of extensive academic training.
