“The Importance of Mothers”
by Cortney Rector
Parent Educator
Aroostook Council for Healthy Families

Hey moms out there! Have you ever questioned your value as a role model, caretaker, or healer of big and small boo-boos? I think we all have at one time or another. Are you a working mom or a stay at home mom? Many of us work to bring home a paycheck and others of us work for our own sanity. Some stay home because they want to be there to for every moment with their child or because childcare can be too expensive.

Have you ever wondered if your children were better off with the babysitter than you? Scientific studies are beginning to point to the overwhelming value of a mother's love, hugs and support. Nannies, babysitters and relatives are terrific! They just aren't as terrific as mom! Many of us decide to take a break from our careers to raise our children in hopes of getting back into the swing of things after a while. We expect that we can stay at home and raise our children when they are little and then go back to work when we, and they are ready. But sometimes, after being a mom, we can’t bear giving up the care and nurturing of our children to any other sitter, no matter how wonderful.

Yes, being out of the workforce and at home is boring sometimes. Yes, your family may have to sacrifice the bigger house, fancy cars and vacations some of your peers were enjoying. But it can be a conscious decision to sacrifice those things for the benefit of your children. I know that I want my morals, my ethics and my life lessons to influence my own children.
I think moms can work at home, be homemakers or work outside of the home and still be great moms! The most important part of mothering is being there for your children. Maybe your sacrifice is going to work but spending your precious little free time reading your child a bedtime story every night, taking him to the park on Saturdays or chaperoning your daughter's school dance. What matters is your input and knowing you are the best person for the role and to understand how valuable you are.

So pat yourselves on the backs moms! You've accomplished a miracle! There is no greater sacrifice on earth, in my opinion, than making the decision to be a parent. Know how important you are. Know that your children need you to be as solid an individual as you can be. You can be a strong mother whether you spend the day at home or in an office.
And a personal thank you to my own mom who made many sacrifices for her children. Who taught us many important life lessons and who inspired me to be the mom I am myself. I’m trying to follow in your footsteps because you were and are amazing. Happy Mothers Day to every Mom on your special day!

Source: Rexanne Mancini