As newborns, my children were everything to me. Their tiny heads held that delightful scent reminiscent of fresh hay. Those soft thighs and little toes were simply irresistible. My love for them left me breathless, overwhelmed, anxious, and in awe — all at the same time.
In those early years, I clung to them tightly, constantly fearful of anything that might pose a threat. I also grappled with my own worthiness as a mother. Was I holding them too much or not enough? Was I making the right decisions? Should I trust my instincts or follow guidelines? Could I create a unique blend of parenting styles and hope for the best?
I found myself comparing my journey to that of other moms, often judging and critiquing them in my mind, even if just during the brief moments we shared, which, looking back, seems absurd.
Now that my kids are growing, I’m shedding much of the self-doubt and negativity that once consumed me. I realize that, overall, I haven’t done too much damage (or at least, I haven’t uncovered the full extent of my mistakes yet!). I’m beginning to look beyond my own little world and see my role as a mother expanding. I am a mother to everyone, everywhere I go.
Sometimes, it feels as if the media emphasizes the notion that mothers are constantly at odds, quick to judge, and solely focused on their children. While I acknowledge that this behavior exists and I’ve been guilty of it, my observations tell a different story. I see numerous mothers with open hearts, genuinely invested in the well-being of not just their children, but each other’s too.
A Moment of Kindness
Take, for instance, my experience at my son’s school during pickup the other day. After gathering my son amidst the crowd of kids and parents, I noticed a girl lingering by the door, looking visibly upset. I knew her family had been facing challenges, and I could see her distress as she waited for her mother. The teachers, also mothers, patiently stayed with her, chatting and reassuring her that her mom was on her way.
Just as I was about to take my children to the playground, my friend’s daughter came limping up the stairs, crying uncontrollably. She had a bleeding leg and couldn’t locate her mother. I took her hand, feeling her little body tremble against mine as I guided her through the crowd, my heart racing with concern that it might be more than just a scrape.
I brought her to her mother, who was busy caring for the baby she was babysitting. Another friend took the baby so that my friend could attend to her daughter. A small group of us moms stayed close, ensuring that the little girl was alright (and thankfully, she was). My friend washed her daughter’s cut with cold water and used a baby wipe from another friend’s bag to clean it up.
Meanwhile, I kept an eye on the girl waiting for her mom and felt a wave of relief when her mother arrived and scooped her up. Soon after, my friend’s daughter calmed down, and we all made our way to the playground, where our kids joyfully swung from trees and raced up slides.
Finding Kindness in Motherhood
Yes, it’s true that sometimes we mothers can be unkind to one another. Yes, the journey of motherhood can be challenging and isolating, making it easy to get lost in our own struggles. But if we take a moment to look around, we might find a greater sense of kindness than we expect. We might witness mothers lifting each other up and caring for one another’s children as though they were their own.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate that. Let’s celebrate it. Let’s harness the power of our maternal hearts to enrich each other’s lives and create a positive impact on the world. For more insights about this journey, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re looking for helpful tools, this fertility booster for men is a great option. Also, remember to read more about our approach in this other blog post.
In summary, as we navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, let’s recognize the support and community we share. Together, we can uplift each other and celebrate the unique journey we all experience.