Words by Jumana

Happy Mothers Day

Motherhood is an all encompassing, beautiful and great word! It is simple enough on its own but its embodiment in this world comes in all shapes and sizes. With all the different “types” of mothers out there, and while all mothers extend beyond labels we as society can give them, we at Kaleo have attempted to appreciate and give a voice to a few of those mothers this year – in their own words, with their own recognition.

What is the best part of being a mother?

This is one of those things that becomes really really hard to narrow down the more you think about it. The best part of being a mother is having someone who is around you that is able to recharge you with energy you didn’t even know you had… simply by existing. The moment you give birth, you begin a new life in a way. 

~work from home mom~

Spending time with my grandchild, I am blessed with the best grandchild. She is the most adorable, loving, giving and generous. Even at such a young age (13 months), she knows how to express herself so well and be so appropriate with different people. She is so smart, I am very blessed.

~a grandmother ~

Everything. It’s total bliss and happiness. Lots of hugs and Ummahs. Teaching that one thing devoid of knowledge, everything she knows. The fulfillment I get when I realize I am the one who made her that way. I learned lots of patience. Got the chance and motivation to better myself and overcome my shortcomings. I feel like I am fulfilling a task specially assigned to me by God. It’s a precious thing entrusted to me by God; building the Islamic nation through good tharbiya (nurturing). When I realize how hard and challenging this task is, I always remember Allah and go back to him and ask for forgiveness and ask him for more strength.

~a foster mother ~

The best thing about a stay at home mom is that I get to see my little ones reach their milestones. and even though sometimes I feel like my world is drifting apart, just a random hug and smile from them makes me feel calm and happy.

~stay at home mom~

The best part of being a working mother can be comprehended from the word itself. It’s the best of both worlds. The fact that I get to do two things that I love; being a mother and being able to work is the best part of it. The sense of respect and identification that is received at work and the love and attention that is received at home is another aspect of a working mother that I truly love.

~a working mother~

If you could go back and speak to yourself before it happened, what would you say?

Sleep!! Omg sleep as much as you can. Eat in silence and know that the first days of postpartum may be harder in some ways than the rest and that’s okay. You’ll be okay

~work from home mommy~

Finish all major things of your life (like studies) you wish to do with your life before your child comes into this world. You will not be able to do all major things at the same time. After getting your own child, you’ll have to devote all your time to the kid and everything falls behind.

~a grandmother~

Learn forbearance, be calm, don’t be reactionary and impulsive to what the kid does. Manage the anger. Learn proper ways to communicate with children. Don’t raise a kid in an extended family environment, become a mom at a relatively young age, when you have the youth and innocence on your side.

~a foster mother~

I would say that I have come a long way and I am proud of who I have become. And also to take care of my first born. She deserves endless love.

~stay at home mom~

You are the best version of yourself everyday, so don’t worry much about anything.

~a working mom~

How do you wish society treated you differently in your role?

I wish that the judgment wasn’t there. Motherhood already has enough challenges and things to figure out (every single child is so different) that it would be nice to have less judgment and more caring love and kindness. This isn’t a comment on others. But on myself as well. I guess it’s easier to get wrapped up in judgment when we do so much in motherhood with our hearts. It’s instinctive and raw and we are passionate about it. There are different ways to do it and we can all stand to remember that.

~work from home mom~

Societies give major attention and judgment and guidance (good and bad aspects) to a mother, but I believe grandmothers are forgotten in that regard. For example no one will be there to say things like “hey, this is the  ti be a grandmother” or “you’re being a grandmother in this and this way”.

~a grandmother~

I wish that they would not take pregnancy lightly. judgements and criticism needs to be stopped. People need to be more educated on pregnancy. People need to understand that every woman and every pregnancy is different. There is no such thing as a perfect mother but there is perfection in every mother.

~stay at home mom~

Especially as an adoptive parent, I wished extended family members, especially the in-laws, weren’t judgemental regarding every decision I make in raising this child. It makes me lose confidence and doubt my own capability to raise a child. I have asked around other parents with biological kids and I hear that they face similar difficulties.

~a foster mother~

The famous comedian Ali Wong had said in her stand up that, in the eyes of society, it takes a very small thing to be seen as a great father and just as a small thing to be seen as a terrible mother. This is so true. I just wish both sides (moms and dads) were treated equally.

~a working mom~

 

We wish the best of our love to you, mom! Grandma! Stepmom! Favorite aunt! Mom-in-law and all fellow mothers. You deserve all the love and respect for your role, as women and mothers.