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| 'Mighty Mommy' cupcakes (decorated by my sprinkle helpers) |
If my children could write a story about me, I think it would go something like above. In fact, all of the characteristics and feats mentioned were things my son and daughter complimented me on within the last week. And after single-handedly moving our small deep freezer outside to defrost, my kids dubbed me ‘Mighty Mommy.’
Yet, I have to marvel at the love affair young children have with their mothers. I’m no egomaniac. I haven’t deluded myself into believing I’m the world’s greatest mom. In fact, I see my flawed nature clearly and merely try to be the best mother be in my imperfection. Still, my children never see my flaws, only the best in me.
I’m carrying around extra weight. I’m in desperate need of a fashion makeover. And my hair gets crazier than an electrocuted mad scientist. All they see, though, is the most beautiful mommy ever.
Sometimes I’m crabby and irritable because I have extremely long days. My to-do lists frequently spill into the next day since there’s never enough hours in the day. I don’t always laugh or have enough fun. And sometimes, I take life much too seriously. Nevertheless, they only perceive the coolest, most fun mommy in the world.
What is it that makes young children adore their parents so? Is it something we don’t see in ourselves? Are we so critical of ourselves that we’ve lost touch with reality? Or is this love, so unconditional and strong, how we all are meant to love each other always? What do you think?
I think it's love personally (either that or I'm in denial that I'm overcritical). Even today, I look up at my mother fondly and amazed at how she did it all while the dishes go undone in my house. But my kids keep telling me how wonderful I am.
ReplyDeleteSome moms really do seem to be super moms, but I often wonder if they feel just as inadequate as we do at times. I think it's a quality of motherhood to only want the best for our children and sometimes that leaves us feeling like we're falling short of that ideal.
DeleteI'm pretty awesome so I'm sure that's why my kids love me ;) On a serious note I believe we're all instilled with this sense of wanting to belong. Even the worst of parents are still, while not always admittedly, loved by their children.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Tim! It's so true that children try their darnedest to love even the unlovable.
DeleteYou're obviously doing something right, but wait until the pre-teen/teen years when they start thinking you're from another planet!
ReplyDeleteLOL I know I'm on borrowed time . . . although I'm hoping they follow in my footsteps. I liked spending time with my parents for the most part when I was a preteen/teen. It's hard to be 100% comfortable when your father had a habit of passing gas in public and then running away, leaving you to take the blame. hahaha
DeleteEnjoy it while you can, because in the blink of an eye they will be crabby teens who are embarrassed to be seen with Mom in public... I'm just saying!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm enjoying it, Cherise, and I never take it for granted!
DeleteI think it is indeed love -- think about it. The mom loves her kids unconditionally. She may get frustrated or irritated with them, but she never stops loving them. She is there when needed, and is always looking for special things to do for them, little treats she can give them, bedtime stories, back rubs, plays boring games like Candyland, etc. She is the one who provides a safe and secure environment for them, and I think they in turn thing she is wonderful -- because she is.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your beautiful insight, Rebecca! :)
DeleteKids seem to see the best in people and situations. It is only when we get older that we become defensive and cynical. Why do we get that way?
ReplyDeleteI think it has to do with a lot of the injustice and wrong in the world. Eventually, life hits you with a blow that is heartbreaking and leaves you reeling. Although we all learn to adapt and move on, I don't think we ever recover from these events and it shatters out innocence and good faith.
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