March Homework

Included here are several questions for you to read through and ruminate on, as well as an assignment.

We ask that you put a little extra thought into a minimum of five questions that most resonate with you.

We would also like you to spend some time coming up with your own Motherhood manifesto, so to speak. This can be a mission statement or a vision statement or mantra. Choose your medium and your voice.

1. There is so much expectation involved in being pregnant and becoming a first time parent. For some, it can come after a lifetime of anticipation, or dread. What were your own expectations of becoming a mother? Were they self-imposed or did they come from outside(family, your partner, your culture)? Did these expectations come to fruition? Did they work against you?

What have you learned from this?

2. Who(or what) inspires you in your role as a mother?

3. The science of neuro-plasticity tells us that our brains are constantly growing, changing and re-adjusting to life experiences and stimuli. Becoming a parent is one such circumstance that actually makes physical changes to your brain. Can you feel this in your own life? Are you indeed a changed woman?

If so, in what way? If not, does this surprise you?

4. Has becoming a mother changed your relationship with women in general? With men?

5. How do you maintain your own identity as separate from your position as parent? Do you do this well? Do you struggle with this?

6. I think it is fair to say that women, no matter what their circumstances, rarely get all of the support that they deserve, need, crave, expect, desire... Do you feel supported in your position as mother? What do you wish for in this regard? Is it attainable?

7. How has the role of mother changed for you over time, as your children have grown? If you are a new parent, how do you see the future? Does the passing of time excite you or frighten you?

8. A counselor to first time mothers once told me that becoming a mom is ever about letting go. It begins at birth and happens in various and numerous ways as your children grow and mature, and finally, leave home. Is this something you feel, or have thought about?

9. Do you feel any particular vulnerabilities that challenge you as a parent?

10. How would you like your child to remember you in terms of parenting?