A mother is a female parent who nurtures and teaches her children. There are biological mothers and stepmothers, but the term mother also applies to any woman who mother’s children in some capacity, including foster care and adoption. The concept of mothering is universal; the behavior and role of mothers in human species as well as in the zoologically closest relatives of humans are similar.
In some cultures, the role of a mother is more than just caring for children. A mother can also teach life skills and discipline her children, which can help them be successful in school, at work and in their relationships. In addition, a mother is someone who can be trusted by her children and provides a loving home that gives them a stable base for their lives.
Whether she is feeding her kids a nutritious meal made from scratch, washing them in warm water and gently patting their heads to put them to sleep or teaching them how to be a good friend, a mother is someone who loves her children unconditionally. She wants to see them grow into well-adjusted adults who can think critically about the world around them and make good decisions. It is her responsibility to teach them how to be empathetic and responsible as they go through life.
If a child feels abandoned or unloved, they may turn to risky behaviors in an attempt to get attention and feel loved. This can lead to problems later in life when they try to get into trouble or get into unhealthy relationships. It is a mother’s job to ensure that her child is raised in a safe and secure environment, which means providing them with food, shelter, love and safety. This includes helping them build a healthy diet and setting boundaries with them about the kinds of people they can date.
There are many different opinions about the best way to raise a child, but a mother should always be there for her children no matter what. She should be a positive influence in their lives and be there for them when they need her, even if that means taking them to the emergency room or scolding them for making bad choices. A mother should also encourage her children to respect and value other people’s differences.
Many women are not ready for the commitment of having a baby and choose to adopt or foster instead. This is a great option for some women, but others prefer to live without children and can still be called mothers if they nurture and mother their friends, family or the world around them. I believe that everyone who works to better the lives of other people can call themselves mothers, and the hashtag #notamother exists for a reason. I hope that you can find your own version of motherhood and be happy with it. –Dawn M.