Reflections on Motherhood

The backstory:

I’ve been thinking about motherhood of late.  What follows is the last in a few entries on that topic.  I caution that these opinions are mine alone and reflect my experience as a mother.  My goal isn’t to offend but is to share my point of view and lay down on (digital) paper some things about motherhood that I have come to believe.  

Looking After Solitary Moms

None of the thoughts of in these posts on solitary moms are meant to suggest that no one can help mom-on-their-own.  In fact, she needs help and even if she isn’t quite ready to welcome it, the offer will be appreciated.  So offer to help.  Keep offering.  One day she’ll say yes.

Affirm what is right and good in her world.  When you see her happy children, tell her.  She thinks they are happy; she prays that they are happy.  But in the darkness of her nights, she fears that they aren’t.  So tell her when you see it.  She and her family need that affirmation.

Solitary mom can and does appreciate your family but it wouldn’t hurt to be gentle when you speak to her about your own challenges.  Sure, your life is sometimes a struggle.  But if in the midst of your struggle, if you have the help and support of a life partner, that difference matters .  Appreciate what that means for you and be aware of what it means for her that she doesn’t have help in that same sure way.

Above all, let’s take care to value everyone’s families, even those that are not in the traditional mode of our privileged world.  We are stronger for one another and it doesn’t hurt to remember that.