Every Mother Has a Different Story

Every mother has a different story, though we tend to group them together. We like to think that partnered moms have it good and single moms have it rough, but the truth is that we're a diverse bunch. Some single mothers have lots of child-free time because their kids are regularly in the custody of their fathers. Some seldom get a break. Some partnered mothers split child-care duties with their spouses in egalitarian ways; others might as well be alone. Some mothers of both varieties have parents, siblings, and friends who play active roles in their children's lives in ways that significantly lighten the load. Others have to pay for every hour another person looks after their kids. Some mothers, single or partnered, can't affort to pay anyone for anything. Some can and do. Others can and won't. Some are aided financially by parents, or trust funds, or inheritances; others are entirely on their own. The reality is that, regardless of the circumstances, most moms are alternately blissed out by their love for their children and utterly overwhelmed by the spectacular amount of sacrifice they require.

From Tiny Beautiful Things, p. 119.

Seen from above, a mother lying in bed gazes into her infant's eyes.

The Wide Spectrum of Mothering

By Amy Young

From WorshipWeb

To those who gave birth this year to their first child—we celebrate with you To those who lost a child this year–we mourn with you To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stain–we appreciate you To those who experienced loss through miscarriage,...

The Wide Spectrum of Mothering