Mothers Are Nuturers

"Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children"

(The Family: A Proclamation to the World)

The importance of motherhood has been under attack for many years now.  Society would have us believe that by being a mother, you are not fulfilling your full potential.  If you stay at home to care for your kids, you are doing yourself a disservice.  Society wants women to look at the wonderful careers they could have, and the things they could achieve in the business world.  Motherhood is looked down on.  It is something that we are taught to avoid, because it will ruin our bodies and tie us to our homes, where we will have very little impact on society.  This couldn't be further from the truth.

President David O. McKay said:

"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life.  The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind.  It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world."

If we are listen to what President McKay says, then there is no greater way that we could impact society than through being a mother, and raising righteous children.

Mothers are responsible for so many different things.  They can be broken down into two categories: Preserving Life and Nurturing Growth and Development.

Preserving Life can mean protecting our children from harm.  It can mean doing anything in our power to keep our child safe.  It means feeding and caring for our child.  It means taking them to doctor's appointments to keep them healthy, or heal them when they are sick.  It means teaching them about danger and how to avoid it.

 

Nurturing Growth and Development is a lot more than this.  Nurturing Growth means creating an environment of safety, peace, and learning.  It means organizing routines for your child and family.  It means helping them develop good academic routines, helping them learn to problem solve, and helping them develop skills that they will need, whether it's walking, riding a bike, driving a car, or balancing a check book.  Nurturing growth and development also means developing a strong relationship with your child.  It means listening to them, encouraging them, expressing appreciation, and being available to them.  Mothers are also the most important influence on a child's intellectual development.  Mothers need to provide opportunities for their children to learn.  Mother's are also responsible to teach their children religious beliefs.

How can we do all of this?  Here are some suggestions that my mother, myself, and other mothers that I know use:

1. Show and tell your child that you love them.  Your child needs to hear you tell them that they are loved.  The words mean something to them.  You must also show them that you love them through your actions.  

2. Be there for them.  Be there when they come home from school.  Be there when they get home from a date.  Be at their dance recital, soccer game, band performance, or spelling bee.  This will help them know that they are important to you.

3. Listen to them.  Listen when they come home with a broken heart.  Listen when they tell you about their fight with a friend.  Listen when they talk incessantly about Pokemon or their video game that they are playing.  They will keep coming to you, if they know you are listening.

4. Spend time with them. Do things together.  Try to spend time with them doing something that they love.  Read with them.  Teach them to do something that you are good at.  Laugh with them.  When you spend time together, it helps to strengthen your relationship with your children.

5. Plan celebrations with them.  Celebrate their birthday.  Make holiday traditions with them.  They can be simple or elaborate.  Take them on vacations.  These can be simple too.  Just have fun!

And what if you do not get the opportunity to be a mother in this life?? Sister Sheri Dew said:

"Motherhood is more than bearing children...It is the essence of who we are as women.  If defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us."

I know quite a few women in my life that have not had the chance to become mothers.  One was a beloved aunt of my husband.  She had over 50 nieces and nephews.  She knew each of their birthdays, their interests, and their personalities.  She planned and carried out many "Aunt Bev" days, where she spent time with them one on one.  She was so loved, and had a great influence on each of them.  Another is a cousin of mine.  She is a well loved 5th grade teacher.  Her students adore her.  She attends their extra curricular activities.  She knows each of them well, and pays attention to the things they are doing.  She has recently been called to be the Young Women's President in her ward.  Those Young Women are so lucky to have someone to love them like she will.  Another is a fellow sister in the Primary Presidency.  She loves those primary children, and has also spent many years in her career working with young adults with special needs.  She loves them too.  

Wherever we are in our role of "mother", if we involve our Heavenly Father, He will help us to influence those around us for good.  Whether they are our biological children or not, He will help us to teach, guide, and love them the way that He would have us do.