How do you define motherhood?

United States
January 14, 2009 7:31am CST
I have four kids, but I only gave birth to two. Here's how it goes in our household: one 9 year old (my son) one 8 year old (my step-daughter) one 7 year old (my son) one 16 year old (my nephew) I've taken over guardianship of my nephew for various reasons. I "mother" each of these children, but I'm only the real mother of two of them. I say I have four kids because I'm raising them all . . . . their mother's are all "part time" and still part of the picture, but they don't want to raise these kids. How do you define motherhood?
2 responses
momtrying2makeit
@momtrying2makeit (3270)
• United States
14 Jan 09
first I want to say that is takes a strong person to raise someones elses kids. TO me I think that would be very hard to do but if I had to do it I would too. I think motherhood is being there, money wise, emtional wise, loving wise and everything in between. Even though you may not be the mother of these kids by birth you are teaching them and taking care of them and that is what a true mother does. I see so much of this going on, it bothers me kinda of. I know this girl that has like 5 kids and only is raising one of them. I would never do that I can not pick which one of my kids to raise they are mine and I must be responiable for who I brought into the world. Well I give you props and I hope that someone is not just taking advanatage of you. I have seen that happen many times as well. Good luck on your discussion and have a great day on mylot.
brehfuss
@brehfuss (3)
• United States
15 Jan 09
We sound like we have quite a bit in common (smile) I have 4 boys and 2 grown daughters one being my biological son (16) one being my nephew (16) whom I raised and two being a friend of mines sons (15 and 11) that he could no longer raise so he signed custody over to me,The girls belonged to my ex and when we split they stayed with me until they were adults.My oldest daughter has also made me a grandmother at the age of 34 (but I love it) They all call me mom,the two boy's had never known their mother so this is all new to them and It makes my heart melt that they love me as a mother. To me I believe that it is simple to lay down and make a baby but motherhood is being there when they need you and making them feel like no matter what they have someone to turn to. I was very lucky and had a great mother and father,and to be honest If my mother called me right now and said that one or both of my parents were not my biological parents it would not bother me one bit because to me they would always be my mom and dad no matter what.They were the ones to teach me to love,care an respect people. And everything that I am today I thank them for always making me feel safe and loved. If you could see the look on my 11 year old's face when he sees me in the mornings and after school and hear the way he talks about "his mom" I am sure that there is not a person in this world that could say that I am not his "mommy" in his heart and that to him and myself Is what the meaning of motherhood is. anyone can have a child but only a mother or father can raise a child. And If you are raising them then I would say you are their mother. I am going to leave you with a poem that my 11 year old wrote at school,Like I said before he never got to know the woman that gave birth to him so when he came to live with me he was wanting a mom so bad that within the first few days he started to call me mom and when I read this poem I cried like I am sure I will every time I read it: "I have heard something new" I have seen a new life coming! I never forget about her. "We never Hate" I love my mom,she loves me too! "I smelled a new scent, What is it? I think it is beautiful, What is it? Is it roses? Maybe! " I think it's my mom" NO! Really! I come along and find that smell. It Is! It's my mom! It is not a difference,she always smells like that. Anyway you are doing something that very few people would do and I think you are an angel for doing what you are for your kids,You are their mother and what you are doing is exactly what the meaning of "motherhood" truly is.
hibiscus_mel
@hibiscus_mel (719)
• United States
14 Jan 09
For me, motherhood is having children may it be biological or adopted and sacrificing your time, money and effort in raising them. Appreciating the joy and every problem encountered makes me feel a better mom. Hearing my kids appreciate the things I do for them is priceless to me. Seeing them do their best really makes me happy. All these is a part of motherhood that I enjoy. I don't expect them to repay me fot the countless things I have done to them since I believe thatht motherhood is a choice. If you have reared them and they have mothers who tend to be part time then you should be commended. As a mother myself I know the feeling since I have a stepson too and children of my own.