A Motherhood Manifesto

The phrase “the type of mother I want to be” comes up for me a lot – in my writing as well as day-to-day conversations. But what does it mean? What type of mother do I want to be? In no particular order, stream-of-consciousness style, this:

I want to be the type of mother who laughs with her kids. Always. 

The type of mother who listens. Even if she doesn’t like what she’s hearing. Or doesn’t understand. Who keeps listening until something makes sense. Until her child feels heard. 

A mother who stops for hugs. If her kids want a hug, she’s all arms. 

I want to be the type of mother who models a healthy, positive relationship. Naturally but also consciously. The type of mother who goes on dates with her husband, regularly and voluntarily. 

The type of mother who lets her kids be who they are, right now – not who she thought they would be. Or who they were.  

I want to be the type of mother who teaches her children to meditate, to express their emotions and to love reading. By modeling, first and foremost.  

A mother who has a career, along with other interests outside the family. And prioritizes them, too. 

I want to be the type of mother who tells her kids the truth, through a filter of healthy boundaries. 

The type of mother who writes. 

I want to be the type of mother who doesn’t sweat the small things. 

The type of mother who holds herself to all of these values and goals and parenting ideals… and knows when to say “bugger it” and break her own rules.

And not beat herself up about it. 

I want to be the type of mother who thinks about what type of mother she wants to be. 

Wish me luck 🙂