Here’s to the mothers with the brilliant kids who aren’t always appreciated for their creativity, bravery, and strength.
Here’s to the mothers with the impassioned warrior of a child who hears the word “no”, and decides to trash an aisle in the grocery store or destroy their room.
Here’s to the mothers of the adventurous children who wander off to explore the world and end up having several police officers chasing after them.
Here’s to the mothers of the kids who refuse to do anything – go to school, clean up after themselves, or behave with any sort of civility despite what you’ve taught them.
Here’s to the mothers who have tried this and that and are still in the same position.
Here’s to the mothers who have heard –“ just spank them, just teach them consequences, just medicate them, just be more loving, just, just, just…..whatever it is, it’s something that you aren’t doing correctly.”
Here’s to the mothers who have dealt with the side eyes, judgments, and trauma.
Here’s to the mothers who have felt isolated and imprisoned by their circumstances.
Here’s to the mothers who have learned that their children’s behavior is not a reflection of who they are.
Here’s to the mothers who have learned to love themselves no matter what their external circumstances are.
Here’s to the mothers who have learned to forgive themselves and to forgive others.
Here’s to the mothers who have learned to separate their child’s behavior from who they are as a human being who is worthy of love and respect.
Here’s to the mothers who have learned to love and accept their children as they are.
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We’ve been fighting a long battle on Earth and beyond. Thank you for holding the line.
Thank you for doing your part even when you didn’t understand your role.
Thank you for holding the line despite the stress, the judgments, and the lack of support.
Thank you for standing up for yourself and your right to exist when others would try to make you cower and feel bad.
You may wonder why were such unusual burdens placed upon you? Why are you being judged for things that are not a reflection of you? Why is manipulation and chaos running wild when you are just trying to find a place of peace?
Because you are strong enough to handle it and find a way to help your children thrive despite their habits. Because you are strong enough to fight through being tired, the negative thoughts that are consuming you, and the isolation you might be feeling. Why you? Because of the love that is in your heart that you need to remember. Thank you for being you.
Image: Mother by Jennifer Nelson
