Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Mother's Heart

Naomi today is asking bloggers linked to her Thursday post "A Mother's Heart" to share their ideas about qualities and attributes that help us to be good Mothers.

Whilst I don't think there is actually a "right" or a "wrong" here, after nearly 12 years doing this gig I certainly have learnt (often the hard way) a thing or two.  Like many Mother's I have that very private list entitled " things I did to my kid and wished I hadn't" - this list usually starts in the first week of Motherhood and may contain things like getting the baby sunburnt, over dressing the baby, eating something to spicy and it goes through the milk etc etc.   You know the stuff, it made you cry and think you were really going to suck at being a Mummy - but things got better and before you knew it you were cruising with the best of them!

So rather than duplicate Naomi's list, I will just share a few thoughts, words to the wise so to speak.

Know that there are women out there that will be openly critical about your child, to your face, in front of others.  This is when you need to be strong, be dignified and not argue with this woman. Your good grace will show her rudeness up to others and send a clear message that her mean spirit is wasted on you.  Naturally you will need to have a good vent later to your hubby, mum or sister - how dare she!


Find inspiration everywhere!


Be authentic, be vulnerable, be honest, be real, be yourself in front of your children. Children can spot a phoney at ten paces.


Forgive, transcend and move on. Life will throw you curve balls and bad stuff does happen to good people and sometimes these things are really hard to get past but hanging on to "stuff" can rob you.
It was during such a period when my Mother told me that these were the best times of my life, and my Mother knows best. Enjoy each and every stage of your child's life because they disappear in the blink of an eye.  Imagine what a wonderful life lesson this teaches your children?

12 comments:

JO said...

So spot on what you have written. Love all of our babies! We are very lucky. Booz xxxx

JO said...

So spot on with your comments. Love our babies....boozxxx

'Joyce' said...

Oh I don't think I can add to this, you have covered it all, what a lovely post, and thank you for reminding me of the most wonderful 'career' I have. Wishing you and your little ones a wonderful weekend.

Cat said...

You've written this so beautifully. Everything you said is so true and thanks for reminding me not to be too hard on myself, life is always full of learning and we can only do our best with what we know at the time. Have a wonderful weekend lovely. xo

John said...

I loved this post. You said it all beautifully!

Just Martha said...

What a wise Mummy you are!!! I totally agree about that yucky Mummy. Well done. My eldest is 12 too and we are entering into the world of (dadadada...) HIGH SCHOOL. New stage people...

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

Oh yes, to be genuine & honest to your children, best natural behaviour for them to replicate & learn innately!! What a lovely concept, ahhh, love my children, love Posie

Kelli said...

love your post! I am enjoying this linky

hester said...

This were very wise thoughts indeed! I had a little weep today at how lucky I am as a mother. My girls and I were in a beautiful toy shop and the owner told us that the beautiful little girl in a red tutu skirt who was served before us (while we were waiting) had cancer. It really helped me put our bedtime dramas into perspective.

Thanks so much for dropping by my blog after all this time, Miss Prudence. I was touched!

Kate said...

What a wonderful post!
This motherhood gig is so up and down but we really are blessed and lucky to have this important job.
Today mine are being angelic and its so much easier for me to be 'the best mama in the world'. Let's hope it continues like this for the rest of the weekend.
I hope you have a happy weekend.

Unknown said...

'Be honest, be real' seems to be a pretty good message to get over to kids...and I guess 'forgive, transcend and move on' is something that mothers should take on board and not have feelings of guilt over the 'things we did to our kid and wished we hadn't...tough job!

Just Martha said...

Hello Miss Prudence, I have given you a wee challenge...