Motherhood Myth

Anton Achebe Writes, "It is to a mother to whom one turns of whom one speaks of when nostalgia grips . . .when distress clouds the vision of the moment . . . when there is sorrow and bitterness . . . the mother is there to protect you and that is why we say Mother is Supreme." Encomiums such as above, sung since time immemorial depicting the mystic bond between a mother and her child, has certainly mythologized motherhood. Most women go through the phase of experiencing the fantasies of the motherhood myth like that of "instant bonding" or of "ideal mother." However, the way a mother feels for her child is instinctive, with a number of hormonal and psychological factors involved. This fantasy actually prepares a mother to endure the onerous endeavor of mothering a child. The myths of instant bonding and ideal mother make the whole concept of motherhood seem so rosy, stimulating, meaningful and enriching. This, in fact, encourages every woman to cherish the feeling of being a mother to a child and also the desire of mothering a child in the most perfect manner possible.

Mothering Child
The role of women has historically been either playing a mother or a wife. However, since the late 20th century, there has been a radical change and an equal distribution of responsibilities has been emphasized between both the parents. The 20th century also witnessed an overwhelming number of educated women entering paid work. With abolishing joint family culture, it is becoming more and more difficult to provide a proper upbringing to a child. In nuclear families with working mothers, the task is not at all easy. The most important tip would be to understand the responsibility of instilling the best values in her child's mind and bring the child up to be a confident and well-natured person. It is the responsibility of the mother to instill best of family values in her children. She also has to have the patience to put up with the childish tantrums and to make the child feel satiated and happy without being over-indulgent. Though the task may seem daunting, modern women have quite efficiently been able to discharge both their professional responsibilities and duties as mother. Again, some shun their jobs after becoming mothers and devote themselves completely to nurturing their child. Modern studies have shown that there is hardly any impact on the bringing up of a child whether his or her mother is working or non-working. In the initial years of childhood, the child needs the mother more. It is very important for the mom to spend quality time with the child. It is not the quantity rather the quality that matters as far as spending time with one's children are concerned.

Maternal Instinct
Giving birth to a creature who lives inside the womb for so long is enough to forge a long standing connection between a mother and her child. Perhaps it is because mothers feel a love so strong for their children that it is able to transcend language and apparently the scientific methods of communication. Often mothers claim that by virtue of being a mother, they somehow can tap into a psychic and possess the power to understand the intricate details of another human, their child. However, in the modern society driven by rationalism and scientific explanations, the instinctive qualities of a mother are still often overlooked or thought of as excessive worry or paranoia.