During my parents’ recent visit, they surprised me with three huge containers full of my childhood memorabilia that I thought were long gone. Even though I was pressed for time, I couldn’t resist diving into the treasure trove of kindergarten report cards, high school journals, and old drawings.
One manila folder marked “Mother’s Day” caught my attention. Inside, I found cards, drawings, and poems I had created for my mom. Among them was a drawing depicting motherhood that was both strikingly accurate and somewhat disheartening.
While I likely intended it as a heartfelt tribute to my mother, it starkly illustrated the often overwhelming expectations placed on moms. My artwork showed a cartoonish mommy engaged in cleaning, cooking, and laundry, without even hinting at the vast array of roles mothers can embody—writing books, healing the sick, designing structures, creating art, or innovating.
A wave of emotions hit me. I couldn’t quite articulate it, but it struck me how mothers are the linchpins of their families. We navigate the daily chaos, deflect obstacles, and maintain connections with those around us. It’s a monumental task that often goes unnoticed, much like gravity. We take on this weight quietly, yearning for the happiness of our loved ones while sometimes losing sight of our own identities.
Reflecting on that childhood drawing led me to ponder the future: Is there a better way? Gravity is essential, but it shouldn’t fall solely on one person’s shoulders. Rather than questioning whether we can exist without gravity, the discussion should focus on how we can share responsibilities more evenly.
As I strive to lighten my load, I’ve gained insights on how to reshape the narrative of motherhood.
Insight #1:
Men and women often process emotional information differently. This means that effectively conveying our struggles might require adjusting our communication, shifting from seeking understanding to simply requesting help with tasks.
Insight #2:
It’s vital for our children to recognize that they are not the center of the universe but part of a larger whole. I’ve started sharing my hobbies, like painting, with them to illustrate that moms are multifaceted individuals beyond just cooking and cleaning.
Insight #3:
Great leaders know how to delegate. It’s challenging to ask young kids to help, especially when it might create a mess. Yet, this is where we begin teaching teamwork. My partner also needs reminders about sharing responsibilities to foster a cooperative family dynamic.
Uplifting the weight of motherhood should empower us, not deflate us. Imagine a world where mothers can express their brilliance and creativity fully. When my children draw pictures of what their mom does, I hope it includes not just cooking but also painting, singing, and embarking on adventures together.
This article was originally published on December 8, 2020. For more insights on home insemination, check out this piece from our blog.
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In summary, my childhood drawing served as a poignant reminder of the expectations placed on mothers and the need to redefine our roles in a more balanced way. By fostering open communication, sharing our interests, and encouraging teamwork, we can create a healthier family dynamic that honors the multifaceted nature of motherhood.