If there is one thing I wish I knew a lot earlier in my life, it's the answer to this question.
I believe the role of Mother has been greatly downgraded in our society. I am not writing this article to knock mothers who have a career but to validate those who may not.
I believe that the role of Mother is the most important job in the world. If you can raise a child to reach the fullness of their potential - secure in who they are - no matter what economy is available to you, you have achieved more than anyone. Hats off to those mothers who decide not to be otherwise employed and sometimes feel like a lesser being when having to tick 'housewife' on a form. Whichever you choose to be a mom with a career or a mom without know that your most important role is that of Mother, as this influence is generational.
When I look at our two sons I am certainly not sorry that we have raised men who are confident and contributing to our world with Godly character.
To the Moms out there who sometimes feel overstretched, unappreciated, unimportant or bored let me tell you it is all worth it in the end when you kiss and hug the responsible adult that you have nurtured.
the World Needs Your Footprints Love Jen
I'm probably not qualifed to comment on this, not being a mother, but I guess in this day and age it is really hard for families to be able to afford to have a parent stay at home full-time. I know my Mum would have loved to have been able to be a stay at home Mum, especially at times like when we were living in Campbelltown and going to school in Picton and my brother and I had to commute a long way to and from school (well, 40km each way feels like a very long way for an 11 year old and 8 year old) and she wasn't able to be there to pick us up because both she and Dad had to work so we could have dinner each night, pay the bills, etc. I know she found that very hard and upsetting. I think it's fantastic if either mothers OR fathers are able to be stay at home parents, and if I ever have children, I would love to be able to do that, but unfortunately with the extreme cost of living, I know that is highly unlikely, as is the case for so many families today. Keep up the writing Jen, love reading it :)
ReplyDeleteKylie Hams xx
I took very serious the role of parenting. We opted for home-births and home-schooling against popular opinion and advice of friends & relatives, because we wanted to be responsible for molding our children. My husband and I both put our careers on hold and invested all of our time over the last 18 years into parenting. We never had much money but God has always provided us with the essentials. Our success in life cannot be measured in material possessions but in the love, pride and strength of our family unit.
ReplyDeleteI have had the honor of knowing one of your sons Jen. He has been an important part of our lives for a few years now. Congratulations in raising such a strong and caring man.