Qualities of a Mother

What is a Mother and what role do mothers play in the lives of children?
Mother is defined in the dictionary in two ways:

(1) as a female parent, or (2) as a woman, quality, or condition that gives rise to something else. While maternal instinct is defined as an inborn tendency to want to protect and nurture one's offspring.

Mothers and the role they play in the life of the child are of utmost importance. Mothers impact significantly not only on the health of the child's developing self-esteem, social relationships, academic achievement and career goals.

There is no "rule book" on mothering and no one place where mothers can go to learn all of the ways to handle their children without ever having a problem! However I would like to encourage mothers in the following ways:

1. Be patient with your children; remember children do not always know when you are having a bad day and at your "last straw".

2. Take an interest in the activities of your child, whether boy or girl.

3. Be supportive, accepting that it is okay for your child to have different opinions.

4. Set limits and be firm, knowing that children benefit and thrive in a disciplined environment.

5. Finally, try to be understanding and a good listener, thereby letting your children know that they can come to you for friendship, advice, information, homework help and unconditional love.

As I recognize and acknowledge the importance of mothers, I must mention the importance of support for mothers in their role.
Fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and wider community must support and encourage mothers in their daily tasks, as there is no "day off" from mothering.

Therefore, we encourage mothers to continue to embrace their role as caregiver, protector and friend.

And we encourage all of those in a position to help and support our mothers to do so, knowing that the positive impact of caring and nurturing the children of today will manifest itself tomorrow.

Fay Garner-Barrow is the founder of http://www.dora-the-explorer-adventures.com As a strong believer of learning through play, she designed this website to educate parents with preschoolers and young children. This website also offer Dora The Explorer party supplies, toys, books, the personalized DVD and more.