Monday, April 16, 2012

Motherhood Meme

The lovely Anya at Older Single Mum has tagged me in this meme. As I'm well aware of how lucky I am to be the mother of two fab boys, this is an easy one on motherhood. I find it harder coming up with fascinating 'secrets' or interesting information about myself. I only have so many interesting things I can say about myself and I exhausted them several memes ago...


Describe motherhood in three words
I think there are words to describe motherhood at the different stages of childhood because our experiences are not constant, just like growing up is dynamic.
Motherhood in babyhood: awakening, joy, fear
Motherhood in toddlerdom: anxiety, joy, exhaustion
Motherhood in childhood: fun, joy, tiredness
Motherhood in adolescence: frustration, joy, fury

As you can see, joy represents a third of each stage mostly because one is too tired to notice how great everything is...

Does your experience differ from your mother’s? How?
To start with my mother wasn't divorced although I don't remember my dad being much involved, so maybe our experiences aren't that different. She was much stricter bringing us up. I try to be reasonable, and treat my kids with respect. I got a lot of "Do it because I say so", no nonsense, no talking back or questioning authority. Our basic principles are the same though - stand on your own two feet, be polite, work to be independent.

What’s the hardest thing about being a mum?
Letting go, having faith. Has to be done though. 

What’s the best thing?
Having a laugh with the two best boys in the world. Seeing their happiness, self-confidence, energy, making them rounded people and well-adjusted future men. Can't beat it.

How has it changed you?
I'm not sure how it has changed me. Frankly I can't really remember what I was like before I became a mother. Maybe I've become more ferocious. Threaten the welfare of my boys and you see what you get... (hint: think Tasmanian Devil).

What do you hope for your children?
A future where they're free to live their lives happily and successfully. This might seem obvious, but it's looking less likely as the western world teeters ever nearer the brink of financial disaster. 

What do you fear for them?
That they will be caught up in a the mess of a declining democracy so their quality of life gets worse not better.

What makes it all worthwhile?
There was never any question of it being worthwhile. They might drive me nuts sometimes, but they are my lifeblood, my focus, and an antidote to delusional thoughts. If I didn't have them, I might be tempted to take myself too seriously and think other women hated me for being too perfect, wonderful and beautiful, and of course, a dangerous temptation to their feeble-minded husbands... 

Now I've got to tag some unlucky folks. If they would be so kind, I'd like to hear from the following lovely ladies:
Lucy at Being of Sound Mind because not only is she a busy mum, but she's also a caring aunt for her toddler nieces, so double trouble!
Trish at Mum's Gone to because I want to hear her thoughts on being a mum of an ado boy, like me. 
CurryQueen at Every Silver Lining and looking forward to reading her marvellously jaundiced views and hilarious observations.
Jody at About Last Weekend to see if things are any different from t'other, American side.