“The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world” It is an undeniable truth that mothers play a very significant role in the overall development of the child. What she will instill today will be passed on to the next generation- whether they are emotionally ,physically strong generation or a feeble, meek or low in confidence generation. Nature and nurture is completely in the hands of a mother.
These days there is always an argument on this burning issue which is the role of women in taking the responsibility of a mother. As the Oxford dictionary mentions, the word ‘Mother’ has a very straightforward definition reflecting upon the state of being a mother. However, motherhood is much more than that.
Motherhood is a process of growing, learning and processing with every supersonic second- from the moment of conception of the baby in the womb till the mother’s death. The society too accepts a certain normative definition of being a mother and defines behavioural pattern in regard to motherhood that caters to these norms. The most accepted notion of a mother is to be an epitome of sacrifice, dedication and someone who always acts as a shield with regard to their child’s growth and development.
When a baby is born in a family, it’s true that the mother is required to cater the needs and requirement of the newborn .If she is a working woman, her work multiples and subsequently she is compelled to leave her career and focus on the child. This has raised questions about the choice of being a mother and living the life that caters to the professional needs as well. Whether these can go hand in hand or if one aspect has to be foreshadowed for the other to thrive are a few questions that seem unanswered.
It is safe to assume that educated and working women will have a more positive impact on the child and hence is more capable of moulding. The societal notion of a working woman being incapable to raise a child is like accusing them that their shrieking from their responsibility of bringing up their children. It is a common perception that working women run away from their duties of a homemaker and are only bothered about their position in their professional life.
In the age of equality, women are increasingly encouraged to have it all- balancing career, children and marriage in order to be successful but still yet she is accused. The hypocracy of the society in talking ahout the equality of a woman to actively participate in the country‘s economic growth and in the contrary, accusing her of balancing both family and her career brings out the prevalent irony.
It is not the only responsibility of a mother to contribute to the growth of the child. Rather, both parents need to shoulder equal responsibility for maintaining the family responsibilities and raising children. It is also not necessary that woman who stay at home tend to be perfect a better mother. A mother can fulfill her duties to the child even when she is working and with the support of the partner, she can balance both out. It is not wrong to be financially independent or to want a career of one’ own. Being successful in other aspects of life does not define a woman’s capability as a mother. Motherhood is innate and it is the choice of a woman to seek it the way she wants.
1 comment
Amazing article Ms.Priya. Really you wrote well . you covered great points. very balanced approach.