There's a reason why, in times past, people raised their children within a group, or a village. It's because we just weren't meant to do this much hard work, work that comes with very few accolades, all by ourselves. But, somehow, our society has evolved into a desire that we all must exhibit ourselves as SuperWomen - Matryrs to our family.
This is just not good for any of us. We all need our peeps, our back up dancers - those people who support us and tell us the things that will help us succeed in our lives.
When I was pregnant with my third child, I discovered a discussion board comprised of women who parented in much the same way that I did. Over the end of the pregnancy and during the first months of my life with my son, I bonded with these women. We called ourselves the Hot Mamas - that was the name of the website and we all felt as if we wanted to retain that part of us. My HM friends quickly became an integral part of my life. I spent hours talking with them, discussing topics that not only dealt with pregnancy/childbirth/child raising, but learned much about other faiths, religions and beliefs at the same time. The HM's were my rock, my stability, my bouncing ground and held my hands when times were bad. I know that I could never be half of the mom that I am today without the HM's and their wisdom.
We all have people in our lives who have been instrumental in raising and/or cultivating your
children. Maybe it's your sibling, a teacher, a neighbor, your husband,
a friend. Whoever makes up your village, share
how they’ve been so influential and how much they mean to both you and
your kids. Tell them how you feel with a heartfelt card or letter, or maybe a picture of a time that this person helped you through an incredibly difficult struggle.
Who has played a big role in helping you raise your children and how? What would you say to this person to express your gratitude?
©iStockphoto.com/CEFutcher
My Mom has always been big in my kids life. She lived with us for about a year and the kids miss her like crazy.
My mom and aunt, mainly. Also a good friend from college.
All of our family lives far away but we talk to them often and ask questions about raising children when we just aren't sure about something. We also are very close to our church community.
My family. They used to babysit every day when I was a working mom. Sooo glad those days are done! They all took shifts. My Grandparents would babysit together for the 1st couple hours until my mom got done with work, then she would take over. My dad would babysit weekends.
I was in a group of wonderful ladies on CM, but sadly that group is no more. I still have some of them on FB, but it just isn't the same. We used to talk about everything in there.
Join me in 
Sue ~ Head Admin
~ D.V. Survivor/Admin
What are your kids favorite TV shows right now?
- Carmen S
on Jul. 25, 2012 at 12:00 AM