Embarking on the world of motherhood is both a joy and a challenge. There is a bond between a mother and child unlike any other relationship. As a mom, a woman will find herself fulfilling many roles as she raises her little one. Some of these roles are more apparent at certain periods of a child's development, and some will last a lifetime.
Mothers Are Nurturers
Motherhood is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as first "a female parent," and second as "maternal tenderness or affection." Many women are by nature nurturing. Moms instinctively nurture their children. Using soft, sweet voices they may coo to their babies. With a gentle touch, they handle their little ones. Mothers also try to protect their children from pain and suffering, both physically and emotionally. By providing nurturing environments, mothers help their children feel safe and secure.
Mothers Are Nurses
There is nothing like having your mom nearby when you are sick as a child. A mother instinctively reacts to her child's condition, providing proper nutrition, water and warmth. When her child is sick, a mother knows to provide physical comforts and a place to rest. Through their gentle touch, moms can reassure their children that all will be well. It is often the child's mom who knows when it is time to call the doctor or visit the emergency room. Caring for a sick child is one of the deeper commitments mothers make to their young ones.
Mothers Are Providers
Sensitive mothers find it their duty to provide for the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of their children. This may include providing nourishing food and a healthy, clean environment. Emotionally, the mother will provide a calm, safe haven and foster the child's positive self-esteem. Mentally, mothers may talk and read to their children and later help them with schoolwork. Mothers may decide to introduce their children to religion or spiritual guidance. Ensuring her child has all of his basic needs met is the hallmark of a caring mother.
Mothers Are Teachers
A child's first book is often read by her mother. The first song a child hears is often sung by his mother. Mothers instinctively use communication and interaction with their babies to begin teaching them about the world and expanding their vocabularies. A mother is her 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." Mothers provide the daily feeding of information, language, concepts and healthy experiences that help their children learn and grow.
Mothers Are Role Models
A mother is the example for her child through her own actions as to how to handle situations and cope with life. By demonstrating determination during challenging times, grace under pressure and self-sufficiency, mothers can model for their children the skills needed to later become a capable, 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." Ultimately, motherhood involves allowing your child to move forward through the developmental stages and evolve into an independent, emotionally healthy person.
Mothers Are Counselors
As children stumble through their early years, they will encounter many emotional and mental challenges. Mothers can create a safe sounding board for the child to discuss the class bully, the shame of failing or the indecision of what path to follow. One of the most rewarding moments 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 him. 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.
