No individual can describe the word “Mother” in a word or a sentence or a line or a paragraph — it is inexpressible. The meaning of being a mother is nearly indefinite. Because to be a mother you have to play the roles of:
- a guardian
- a teacher
- an instructor
- a friend
- a protector
- a cook
- a house cleaner
- a maid
- a listener
- a pacifier and so on
The arrival of a child marks a new beginning for both the mother and her child. Every moment makes time for giggles and cuddles, cries and tantrums; nevertheless, it’s a wonderful journey. As Osho said:
The day a child is born, the mother is also born.
Children test your patience; need your love and affection; require a safe, secure and healthy environment to grow up; need your timely support and guidance when making important decisions; and, require unconditional love to thrive. However, along with all these, discipline and control are also essential. This is where a mother plays a key role in the child’s growth and development.
It is well-known that a child learns most of the things from his/her first school, i.e. home, where parents (especially the mother) are the first teachers. So it becomes the duty of a mother to inculcate such etiquettes and manners in her child that not only build character but also build self-esteem, thereby creating a positive environment.
I know that becoming a mother might sound hard, but there is nothing to worry about if only you are ready to explore its life-changing nature, and, are ready to learn from the day-to-day experiences. Each passing day teaches you more about your child’s mindset. This is to say that through patience and observation you can find solutions to routine problems.
One thing I assure you is that you may not be the perfect mother, but you can be the Best Mother to your child by following the seven golden rules:
Respect and value your child
Give your full attention to their views and opinions. Encourage your children and make them feel special; but, most importantly, express your love for them as often as you can.
Be approachable
Communication is the key to a successful relationship: it strengthens the mother-child bond and eases out the communication barriers, even as kids grow older.
Be available
Show interest in your children‘s lives and take time off from your daily routine to play with them. Taking short walks or dancing together or solving a puzzle can work wonders for you.
Be real and don’t show off
It is important to understand that every child wants to be like his/her mother or father; so, one should behave accordingly. This goes to say that be what you are, but, at the same time, work towards instilling positive values in your children. This can be done through everyday interactions, stories, and, by teaching them to observe “you”—what you do, how you conduct yourself, etc.
Be fair and firm
Set reasonable rules and limits only after discussing them with your children. A mother can easily teach the importance of discipline and self-control. Treat all your children alike. Allow your children to settle their problems or disputes for a lesson in getting along with others. As long as there is no bullying or physical violence, do not get involved in their fights. Teach them the value of teamwork as also the habit of sharing.
Respect all, but maintain your self-respect and worth
Try to get your children to bond with both their maternal and paternal families by visiting their houses, or inviting them for a get-together: this will help them to understand the importance of family unity and moral values. But, at the same time, maintain your dignity and respect; do not allow anyone to cross the line, especially in the presence of your children.
Care
Always remember that your health and safety are equally important because only a healthy, happy and relaxed mother can take good care of her children in comparison to an overworked, unhappy, tense mother. So, please take care of yourself.
Conclusion
In the end, I just want to share my personal experience with you. I am blessed with twin daughters—beautiful little angels—and it is amazing to watch them fight, play, get old with each other. So oftentimes it happens that they start playing together, but soon afterward they end up fighting. But the fact is that they share a deep bond and can’t stay away from each other for long. They not only want my attention all the time but also everything that the other one has. At times it becomes very difficult for me to handle them, but I keep reminding myself that this time will never come back. So, cherish and share every single moment of your child’s life. Forget all other things and just enjoy your life and share your love, and, be their best friend(s).