The word mother is synonymous with love, refuge, and support. The mother is the first contact of the child with the outside world, and for most mothers, the child is the fulfillment of a dream and an integral part of life.
Small girls are fascinated by the concept of being a mother from an early age and often pretend that the doll is their daughter, spending many happy hours playing this game.
While many young girls of a marriageable age are fascinated by the thought of being a mother, some find the idea rather overwhelming and are awed by the thought of being responsible for another human being. It is true that being a mother comes with baggage, as it is more than merely a romantic dream of a young woman cradling a smiling baby. It entails great sacrifice as it announces the end of carefree days and spontaneous plans. Everything needs to be scheduled, as the duties associated with an infant are endless and his needs perpetual.
However, the end of infancy and beginning of childhood certainly do not mean a reduction in responsibility. The mother now faces even more formidable tasks — overseeing education, encouraging participation in sports, and ensuring that the child keeps desirable company.
All mothers do not go through identical experiences while bringing up a child, as many factors are involved — the child’s temperament, the extent of the father’s involvement, and, of course, the mother’s own disposition. Some mothers, fortunately or unfortunately, are perfectionists. Their efforts to make everything perfect for the child can inadvertently cause stress for themselves and sometimes put excessive pressure on the child.
Some mothers are almost frantic that their children should be the best at everything. At times, the child is pushed into unhealthy competition, being made to see friends as mere rivals. This is unfortunate, as the child is deprived of forming meaningful relationships and life becomes one big competition ground where he must always be the champion.
A balanced approach is essential. A child’s upbringing, besides focusing on studies, should also involve opportunities to explore potential in sports and to learn ethical and religious values. He should be taught from an early age that no kind of success is worthwhile if it involves compromising morals. Having a moulvi visit once a week to teach the Quran is not enough; he should be guided to understand the significance of namaz from an early age, with a clear differentiation between right and wrong — both religiously and morally.
Overall, a mother is the ultimate warrior — battling on every front, armed with love, patience, and resilience. For her, the ultimate victory is her child’s success and growth as a good human being. With this goal in mind, she remains vigilant and determined, never deterred by inconvenience or hardship along her path.
