Mothers, you are amazing. You selflessly put your children first and constantly carry them in your heart, wherever you go and whatever you are doing. Mothers you deserve to be honoured.
Working mums
Let me just cancel the myth and lie right now that if a mother is working, even full time, that they are not a great mother. I have met many incredible mothers who work long hours and lead full lives but care about their children more than literally anything else in the world.
The mothers I have met have returned to work after spending many months on maternity leave creating strong bonds of love and attachment with their children. It is usually hard to return to work as they feel torn between their commitments and responsibilities.
They come home from work and pour out their love on their children. Some mothers even work night shift-work and rotating rosters just so that they can still spend quality time with their children.
Seriously it is time to stop all judgement of mums and instead offer our love, support and understanding. Do you remember the verse in the bible about not judging a brother or sister? Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7: 3 NIV).
We all have our own areas to work on so let’s focus on that rather than judging others. In my experience mothers who are working have carefully considered all their choices and the different balls that they are called to juggle and they make the best decisions for their whole families and lives as a whole.
Working mums not only provide for their children but they often also contribute to society. I have been employed to nanny children because the mothers want the best care for their children and feel at the same time, called to work as a doctor or nurse, run a business or finish their studies. Mothers may have different approaches, roles and routines but there is one thing in common. Their heart for their children.
Stay at home mums
I personally know some incredible and inspiring stay at home mums too and some of these even homeschool their children. They invest their whole life and heart into their children and naturally this will reap a huge harvest. For what we sow we also will reap, so I have a special place in my heart for these brave and courageous women who forsake all other dreams to solely care for and raise their children.
These women deserve great honour, encouragement and love, like all mothers. Whether it it is a season or a lifelong commitment to staying at home to raise their kids, the children of these special women are naturally going to be so blessed. Some mothers love being a stay at home mum, but it is certainly not without its difficulties.
Take the challenge
Here is a challenge for you. Next time you see a mum who is clearly tired, trying to juggle to many bags or a mum who is dealing with a tricky child situation at the supermarket - why don’t you consider offering some support, practical help or just affirm them? If we all did this, I believe mothers would feel more supported rather than watched or judged by others.
Some new mothers feel such a sense of judgement that it literally can crush their confidence. Women need to be empowered and encouraged in their mothering, not judged. There are so many decisions for a mother to make, straight from when a baby is born. Every child is different and the parents of a child know their children best.
My experience
As a nanny I go out of my way to encourage mothers and actually say to them that they are doing a wonderful job. Do you know most mothers of little ones are second guessing themselves and wondering if they are doing their best? Sleep deprivation, daily sacrifices and challenges are part of motherhood of little ones. So what would it look like if we supported and encouraged mums more?
I currently look after a 13 month old as a nanny. It has been a wonderful experience and one that I am cherishing. Over the four months I have been looking after and ‘mothering’ the little one, I have experienced some of a mothers world.
When the baby is tired, I have rocked and bounced her, until my arms and back ached. I have sang to her and soothed her, snuggling her as my own. I have put all my needs aside to put her every need first, even despite being hungry or tired myself. When she has fallen asleep in my arms, I have stopped all my plans of eating lunch or getting dishes done, to be there for her and help support her rest time. This is the life of many mums.
As children get older, mothers continue to be absolutely selfless, loving and supportive to their children. My own mother and mother in law have both exampled to me the power of a mothers love. It seems that mothers only grow more incredible, supporting their children emotionally, financially, practically, spiritually. My husband says that his mum is the single person in his life that has always been there for him; loving and supporting him every day since he was a child.
Mothers you are amazing. It’s time we support and encourage you more – and honour you for all you do for your children. Receive these words into your soul – mothers you are doing a great job!
Liana is a passionate and creative soul, living in South Australia and married to her artist husband of 12 years, Justin. Liana is an early childhood educator and also writes, sings, occasionally dances, loves nature, is a psalmist and runs a women's ministry.
