MOMS AT HOME

This piece is dedicated to all the mothers who have chosen to be at home with their children...

Your choice to be with your child and to bare close witness to his/her life, is not an easy one and is certainly not as rosy as it is sometimes made out to be. But your choice should be commended! You are part of a select few women who have elected to concentrate on shaping a future generation. You are the unpaid teacher, homemaker and most certainly the foundation of your family. Your role should be highlighted and acknowledged!

Most mothers, whether in industry or at home, battle with guilt at some point in their lives. Working mom’s, who have their own battle, sometimes feel guilty that they are not at home with their children whilst mom’s at home sometimes feel guilty about not ‘being part of broader society’.

In today’s society, moms at home are a minority. They have chosen a life which is often frowned upon by society at large – especially if they elect to be with their children throughout their children’s school lives. These moms seldom receive compliments. They are usually unpaid and their only reward is the knowledge that they are fighting for the growth, stability, happiness and achievement possible for their children. They are the ones who provide the opportunity for their children to reach the heights of excellence. They take extra time to help their children identify their strengths and encourage them to reach their dreams. They are always there to pick up the pieces when things go wrong and often volunteer to do the same for the children of working mom’s. Indeed they should be commended for the investment of time and energy which they so patiently and freely give. By their deeds they subtly teach us all the values of love, compassion, generosity, kindness, helpfulness, creativity and passion to a growing generation.

In addition, moms at home are often responsible for everything that happens at home – the cleaning, the groceries, the maintenance, the finances etc. They adopt numerous roles – taxi, doctor, dietician, nurse, disciplinarian, teacher, counsellor, children’s projects co-ordinator, gardener, builder, plumber and advisor, not to mention the main role of being a mentor to their children. They usually support every member of their household in selfless ways by doing odd jobs which their family hasn’t the time for. Meals, dry cleaning and various errands are just a call away.

I often bump into moms who are fatigued, fretful and ready to give up this way of life. I want to say... PLEASE DON’T GIVE UP THIS IMPORTANT ROLE! Your contribution is vital to our communities. Please take care to look after yourself well and remember - “A jug cannot pour anything if it is empty!”

You, dear ‘Mom at home’, are an angel in this difficult world! You are the heart of our society. We need you desperately! That little human being, whom you hold in your arms, will eventually grow up. With your help, he/she will fully become that amazing person who they have been created to be. Your child will look back and know the hands that shaped him/her and, in turn, will hopefully take good care with his/her own offspring.