Motherhood

Mother's Day.

As a mother, I don't want one day a year where my kids go out of their way to do nice things for me. Treat me with the respect you think I deserve year-round. All the attention one day a year means nothing if the rest of the year you take me for granted.

Maybe that seems harsh but it is just how this mom feels.

Moms don't always have it easy. We work outside the home and we (most of us) are always available for our kids- no matter what. We usually find little time for our needs and even when we do, we often feel guilty for it.

Society puts moms on a pedestal and makes many of us feel guilty for what we do or don't do.

Lately the new pressure is coming from a recent Time magazine cover that pictures a 26 year old mom who is still breast-feeding her nearly 4 year old son. There is something about how "attachment" parenting is healthier for children. The media is always looking for a way to make women feel that they are just not good enough as a mom/wife/person,etc.

F#@% the media.

Being a mom is the most important "job" in the world. It doesn't come with instructions and most of us learn how to be a mom from the women in our lives who influenced us.

The wisest moms are the ones who realize that no matter how hard they try they will never be the "perfect" mom.

There is no such person.

We make mistakes and often motherhood is a learn as you go experience. All one can do is listen to your instincts and trust them. You are still going to feel like a failure at times but the reward is one day when you see the life that you had a part in and you realize that you helped to make it possible. You can feel good that you did your best and be proud of what you were blessed to be a part of.

I wish all the moms out there a happy Mother's day. I hope that you get the respect and love you deserve.