View from the Pew

It is Mothers’ Day once again, a time to celebrate birth mothers, foster mothers and all women who in some-way have played or are playing a nurturing role for children. It does not matter how or when you come into the role; despite the many challenges that the role carries, there are untold joys in fostering a child through the stages of their growth and development.

No effective child rearing happens without the involvement and support of others. In circumstances where parents and children do not live together, the mother must do all in her power to ensure the father’s presence in the life of his child or children. There are others in this support system - the extended family, the school, the community and the church. All have critical roles to play in helping children grow into productive citizens. Often the mother has the responsibility to integrate all these other systems in the child’s life.

There are a variety of issues which may affect how some mothers are able to function effectively.  For example, children with Neurophysio-logical or other childhood disorders; situational and environmental stress; social media and influencers; gender based and interpersonal violence; financial deprivation; non supportive social network; competing demands and expectations.  All or some of these can impact a Mother’s role and function and may even make her feel inadequate or a failure.  We have seen how well many women have been able to navigate many of these challenges and maintain stability in the family. They ought to be celebrated.

Where is the Church in all of this? Everywhere. The Church has the moral authority to provide support and guidance to mothers - to strengthen pre-marital and relationship counselling; organize and deliver parenting programmes and workshops; to provide individual and family counselling sessions; to emphasize through ministry the importance of family and worship; to have a greater presence in schools; to encourage mothers to seek help and direct them to appropriate agencies.

Most important of all, the Church should help mothers see the Blessed Mother Mary as their esteemed role model. Mary answered the call, she stood by her Son through all stages of his early development and was in the shadows all throughout His ministry. She stood at the cross as He gave up His life for us all and she rejoiced at His Glorious Resurrection. She was a good mother.

Blessed Mother’s Day

Karlene Reid