I know that many mother's are the happiest being just that... a mother... but what does being a mother really mean?
I guess everyone has a different opinion on what a mother should look like depending on many factors. For example a conservative woman's view on being a mother consist of keeping the house tidy and clean, having dinner ready for her husband and children. Being available 24/7 to her children and all because of what a book called the "Bible" says.
Other women who are not on the conservative spectrum see being a mother to be a child's best friend. They at times neglect the disciplinary needs because they want to look "good" and "cool" in their childs eyes. Then you have the mother who is in between both spectrums. I guess that where I fall into because I am definitely no where near conservative and I am not close to just thinking that I am my child's best friend.
To me..... a mother is someone who is nurturing, carying, respectful, and willing. I say willing in terms of willing to change aspects about herself that allow for growth as a mother. Respectful in terms that say that she respects her children enough to give them space to be who they are as a person. Nurturing in the sense that they care for their children when they are sick and needing love and attention. I think that all of these attributions is what makes a mom, well, a mom.
Another aspect I think is very important is a mom who is independent of her title "mom". A woman who solely devotes her life to her children ends up being lost once the children leave the nest. She is left with an emptiness to which is where I believe "empty nester" stems from. Being a mom is much more diverse and requires the woman to explore different facades besides that of a mother. If she is not her own person, then how can she be anything else for another human life? She will drown in depression, sorrow and madness if she devolts completely to children who at the end cause her grief and pain. Yes, there are good kids out there but be real with yourself. Raising children is the hardest thing on this earth. And its the only job that does not pay a dime and requires no sick days or PTO (unless you have a supportive spouse).
So, why lose yourself in the madness of childrearing?
