22 of 49

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

with the fear of predators on the street. We become cops, on the lookout for every bad guy that might be around the next corner. We are security guards, demanding hands to be held, windows locked and helmets worn. We become critiques of television, deciding what our children should be watching and what they shouldn't be. We cover our children's ears or eyes when an okay program turns for the worst, trying to protect them from what we already know that's bad in the world.

We become expert chefs. We learn the secret to making Kraft Dinner the way our children love it, peanut butter sandwiches with the crusts cut off and warm chocolate chip cookies for the arrival after school.

We are teachers, showing our children how to print, read and do math. We teach values on life, love and acceptance. We become authors, narrating our own lives, so our children can see how we overcame the tough stuff that they are teaching.

Bruises, ow-ies and boo boos are quickly fixed, as our first aid cupboard becomes stocked with all of the neccessities of raising children. They say there are shortages of nurses and doctors in the world, but as far as I know, there is one in every home. It is a job I don't like to take on, but with three children, who seem to be klutzy at the best of times, it is a job I do every day.

Raising children I have become an expert in many ways. I am an expert in time management,anger management and stress management. I am able to multi task, and to remember the schedules of each individual child, without the help of a calander.

I have watched my sisters raise their teenagers. I am not there in my life yet. But watching them, I have seen them grow as psychiatrists, councellers, bank tellers, guidance councellors, chauffers, cooks, anit-drug advocates and friends.

And just when you think that the time is up, as your child hits the age of majority, when most parents can retire, you realize that this is a lifetime job. There is no time to retire. This job is there for life, as you help your children with marriage, child rearing and life dilemmas. The love of a mother never ends. It is always there, through the good times and the bad times.

The love of a mother, makes her do jobs immeasuarble to all others. It helps her become someone that she couldn't be without the job of raising children.

No amount of money, no amount of words, will ever be able to show enough appreciation for these wonderful women.

Learn more about this author, Catherine Graham.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Stay-at-home moms: Are they appreciated enough??
We want to hear your view. Write now!