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Harnessing the Strength of Our Motherly Hearts
Parenting
Updated: July 25, 2023
Originally Published: July 25, 2023
As a new mom, my world revolved around my little ones. Their tiny heads, smelling like fresh hay, their chubby thighs, and those adorably squishy toes—my love for them was overwhelming, a whirlwind of joy, fear, and awe all at once.
In those earlier days, I clung to them tightly, terrified of anything that might harm them. I constantly questioned if I was enough. Was I holding them too much or not enough? Was I making the right choices? Should I stick to parenting books or just trust my instincts? Could I somehow blend various parenting philosophies and find a way to make it work?
And those other moms—oh, the comparisons! I’d find myself critiquing them in my head for just a fleeting moment, which, looking back, seems utterly absurd.
Now that my kids are a bit older, I’m shedding the insecurities and pettiness that once consumed me as a new parent. I realize I haven’t completely messed them up (at least, not yet!). I’m starting to see beyond my own little family. As I grow into my role as a mother, I feel my mother-heart expanding to encompass not just my children, but all children.
Sometimes, it feels like the media loves to highlight the notion that mothers are always at odds, judging one another, and wrapped up in their own little worlds, solely focused on their own kids. I admit, I’ve been guilty of this at times. But when I take a closer look, I notice something different. I see mothers with hearts wide open, looking out for one another and their children more than we realize.
Take, for instance, today’s after-school pickup at my son’s school. After gathering my son from the sea of children and parents, I spotted a girl lingering by the door. She appeared distressed, waiting for her mom. Knowing her family had been facing difficulties, I felt for her as she anxiously waited. The teachers—fellow moms—stayed by her side, chatting and assuring her that her mother would arrive shortly.
Just as I was about to whisk my kids off to the playground, my friend’s daughter limped up the steps, crying uncontrollably. Her leg was bleeding, and she couldn’t find her mom. I took her hand, guiding her through the crowd while feeling her tiny body heave with sobs against my arm. My heart raced, fearing it might be more than just a scraped knee.
I brought her to her mother, who was busy parenting the baby she was watching. Our other friend took the baby so that my friend could focus on her daughter. A small group of us moms stood vigil, ensuring the little girl was alright (thankfully, she was). My friend used cold water on her daughter’s cut and borrowed a baby wipe from another mom’s purse to clean it.
Meanwhile, I kept an eye on the girl waiting upstairs and sighed in relief when her mom finally arrived to scoop her up. Soon, my friend’s daughter stopped crying, and we all found our way to the playground, where our kids climbed trees and dashed up slides.
Yes, we moms can be tough on each other sometimes. Yes, motherhood is incredibly challenging and isolating, often leading us to get caught up in our own struggles. But if you look around, you might discover more kindness than you expect. You might see mothers lifting each other up. You might see us caring for one another’s children as if they were our own.
Let’s take notice of this. Let’s celebrate it. Let’s tap into the strength of our motherly hearts and use it to make a difference in each other’s lives and transform the world.
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Summary
Motherhood is a journey filled with love, fear, and growth. As we evolve into our roles, we often realize the strength of our community. Rather than succumbing to judgment and comparison, we can lean on each other for support, reflecting the true essence of motherhood. By embracing this camaraderie, we can uplift one another and create a more nurturing world for our children.