(Hilary Valdez)
Women today make up almost half of all workers in the United States. An increasing number of women are either the sole breadwinner for their family or share the role with their partners. The role of women who are mothers is filled with heavy responsibilities.
There are various types of motherhood reflecting different family structures and circumstances:
Biological mothers, women who conceive and give birth to a child or children biologically.
Adoptive mothers, women who legally adopt and raise a child or children who are not biologically their own.
Foster mothers, women who provide temporary care for children in the foster care system.
Stepmothers, women who marry or form a long-term partnership with a parent who already has children from a previous relationship.
Surrogate mothers, women who carry and give birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple through surrogacy arrangements.
Single mothers, mothers who raise children without the involvement or support of a partner or spouse.
Co-parenting mothers, mothers who share parenting responsibilities with a former spouse or partner following a separation or divorce.
Grandmothers, mothers of adult children who have grandchildren and may play a significant role in their upbringing.
Who took care of you when you were growing up? What are your fondest and cherished memories? Is your mother alive, or has she passed on? When my mother passed, I lost my best friend. She was always there for me. Protector, supporter, therapist, shopping companion, movie date, lunches with wine, all around hellraiser that encouraged me to achieve and tackle life with abandon and fearless eagerness.
What was your mother’s life like when she was young? What did she endure? What hardships challenged her? Ever since prehistoric times mothers were essential for the survival of their children. In ancient cultures, motherhood was associated with goddesses and fertility. During the Middle Ages, high mortality rates and wars mothers lost their children and spouses. In the Industrial Revolution, women left their homes to work in factories. This meant changes in childcare, with mothers relying on relatives, neighbors, or older children to help care for younger siblings. World War1 marked the first war in which American women were allowed to enlist in the armed forces.
Unfortunately, despite social progress, disrespect towards women persists in various forms. Gender-based violence, the physical, emotional, and sexual violence against women, remains a serious issue worldwide. Domestic violence, rape and human trafficking are examples of this problem. Women also continue to face workplace inequalities including, gender wage gaps, glass ceilings, and gender discrimination in hiring, promotions and leadership positions. Mothers may also face maternal discrimination due to societal expectations that prioritize childcare over career advancement, leading to reduced job opportunities or wages.
So, you come home with a smile on your face and ask your mom: “How was your day?” One time my mom replied: “I’m tired of turning the other cheek.” I can’t repeat what she continued to say. I replied: “I see. Okay, mom, let’s take a break. Take a deep breath. Let’s have a glass of wine. Put the shot gun down.”
Mothers influence the lives of individuals, families, and communities. But mom needs love and support, too. Mothers provide love, care, and guidance that impact the emotional, cognitive, and social development of children, shaping future generations of responsible citizens. My father was away working a lot, so my mother often served as the emotional center of our family, fostering a sense of belonging, promoting harmony and maintaining family traditions. Mothers frequently engage in volunteer work; my mom was a Cub Scout leader, what fun we had at our house, feverishly working on creative projects to earn merit badges. She was happy, when I looked at her face. Each type of motherhood comes with its own unique joys and challenges, but all mothers share the universal experience of nurturing, supporting, and loving their children.
Mothers play a vital role in transmitting cultural and moral values, shaping children’s understanding of their heritage and fostering an appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. Mothers provide emotional support to their children, spouses, and extended family members, helping them navigate life’s challenges and fostering resilience and well-being. Mothers serve as influential role models for their children, inspiring them to pursue their goals and aspirations. Recognizing and valuing the diverse roles of mothers is essential for promoting a more compassionate, inclusive, and thriving society. Mothers are resilient and adaptability. Reach out to mom, while you can.
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Hilary Valdez is a freelancer living in Tokyo, Japan. He is an experienced Mental Health professional and Resiliency Trainer. Valdez is a former Marine and has worked with the military most of his career and most recently worked at Camp Zama as a Master Resiliency Trainer. Valdez now has a private practice and publishes books on social and psychological issues. His books are available on Amazon and for Kindle. Learn more about Valdez and contact him at his website or email. Follow his YouTube channel Hilary’s Quick Talk for more insights.
