The role of a mother in child development

Motherhood does not come with a manual. Yet alot is expected of mothers by the society. 

Once a woman becomes a mother, what is expected of her for healthy child development? What role does the mother play? 

♦️She is the caregiver. A mother is the first caregiver a child has right from pregnancy to First few months after birth. This role continues as the child develops even if other caregivers are introduced. 

♦️The health care provider. Before a mom takes a child to hospital, they have tried multiple home remedies. Children always run to their mother when hurt because they know she will play her magic and they will feel better

♦️The first teacher. A mother Starts teaching her newborn right after birth.... Mothers keep singing nursery rhymes when bathing or breastfeeding their babies. Moms are also expected to teach their children life skills like being polite and interacting with others in respect.

♦️ Activity coordinator. The mother has to make sure that all the childrens activities are in check... Homework, trips, playdates...

♦️ Emotional nurturer. The mother has the responsibility of being fully emotionally available to the children. She has to comfort them when they're low or they feel defeated.

♦️The justice system. The mother will always find herself solving so many disagreements in her childs life either with her siblings or friends. The mother has to have excellent conflict resolution skills. 

♦️The relationship coach. Children need guidance on making friends and interacting with peers. The mother has to be there to offer guidance. 

♦️ Playmate. You can't be a mother and at the same time want to act mature. You have to go back to the level of your child and play with them. It strengthens your bond with the child. 

♦️ Trainer, instructor and disciplinarian. The mother has to train up their children to learn the acceptable ways. Correct and discipline the child with love. 

♦️ Offer unconditional love, care and support throughout a child's development. Everything a mother does for her child should be unconditional. No one should pay you for being a mother. Even after the child is grown. It's the responsibility of a mother to offer unconditional love. 

© Joyce Mwai

Writer/ Teenage mentor/ Parenting Coach