Heather Little-White, Ph.D., Contributor
All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.
- Abraham Lincoln
A mother typically fulfils the primary role in the raising of children. She is the natural or female parent of her offspring. In humans, a mother goes through a period from conception until the foetus is well-developed to be born. She goes into labour and gives birth to a boy or girl. In a natural progression to lactation, the mother produces milk to feed and bond with the child. The term 'mother' can also refer to a person with the typical traits of a mother, such as nurturing and unselfishly caring for others.
Mothers typically fulfil the primary role in the raising of children. 'Other mothers' are those women other than the biological parent, who fulfil a nurturing role. An 'other mother' may be an adoptive mother or a stepmother. Advances in reproductive technologies allow the function of biological motherhood to be split between the genetic mother, who provides the egg, and the gestational mother, who carries the pregnancy to term. In this situation, neither the genetic nor gestational mother might be the social mother who brings up the child.
Inspiration
People have been greatly inspired by their mothers who provide inspiration throughout their lives. Her influence is unmatched by another earthly force. Outlook solicited feedback of the power of mothers on people's lives.
Natasha, aged 12: My mother is the greatest person on earth, she makes me feel special even when my school report is not so good, she tells me that she loves me all the time.
Selywn, aged 55: I love my mother for shouldering a huge responsibility in providing a good life and education for her six children. I respect her for beating the odds as a single parent and giving us the values that have made us better persons in life, we all treat her like a queen now.
Paul, aged 26: My mother is my role model of what it means to be mother and father at the same time, working to provide the nurturing for two children. She demonstrates strength and determination and tremendous love for her children ... I will always love her.
Daisy, aged 67: My mother is still alive at 87 and I am still amazed to know how mother grew us up in rural Jamaica. She was poor but she taught us self-respect, humility and kindness, she shared what she grew on her farm and she was always blessed with food to feed her family of six. I love her and pray that God will keep her well as long as possible.
Biblical teachings
The testimonials relate to what the Bible teaches about being a good mother, providing an environment of constant verbal support, acceptance, affection and unconditional love. In Titus 2: 4-5, mothers are instructed to love their children, to be self-controlled and pure. In Isaiah 49:15, the Bible says, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?" Psalm 127 reminds that children are a gift from the Lord, and Proverbs 22:6 teaches that mothers should help a child develop skills and discover her strengths.
Robert Young identifies seven characteristics of a good mother (SurfintheSpirit.com).
1. Effective mothers are models, filled with compassion and passion, emotionally strong and able to teach others about feelings.
2. Effective mothers are concerned about others. They put their family first and have their priorities in order.
3. Effective mothers are there when needed and can be depended on. Those around them know and appreciate their availability.
4. Effective mothers build a home more than a house, caring for their families.
5. Effective mothers know how to encourage. They become cheerleaders for their children and their friends in their activities. They are mother to many people.
6. Effective mothers are risk-takers, willing to go the extra mile to provide what is important for their children.
7. Effective mothers are spiritual, demonstrating a meaningful relationship with God and placing their spiritual life as a priority.
Everyday love
Children who love their mothers believe that every day should be Mother's Day because mother's love is special and should be constantly celebrated. This Mothers' Day poem aptly describes a good mother:-
You wiped away many tears and even calmed many fears
You have kissed all parts and healed broken hearts.
You gave your love without a second thought and gave lectures when our mistakes you caught
You also gave us hugs for no reason at all and you held us tight when a tear would fall.
You gave us the courage to walk alone and you gave us the love of a real home.
You endured many things just for our sake and your love was genuine so much love would be hard to fake.
You are truly a gift from God above, only He could've made you with that much love.
- Author unknown
