Mothering

Teaching her to brush teeth, wash her hands, change her clothes; bathing her, feeding her, teaching her to feed herself, playing with her, reading to and with her; thinking of her clothes--what is suitable for play, for school time, as nightwear, as partywear; arranging for her to have playmates, space for play, taking her to the park; ensuring some physical exercise; thinking about what will entertain her; the kind of TV programmes she can watch, the VCDs and DVDs that are suitable for viewing by her.

Mothering is about the physical energy devoted to all the above and more. It is about the mental and emotional space that your child occupies within your being. It is about being able to withstand emotional blackmail and figure out the line dividing pampering and caring. It is about putting aside your needs/preferences/assumptions and being present and observing. It is also about nourishing yourself, having time for yourself so that the self replenishment spills over to nourishment for the child. It is about solitude to sort out your priorities, to have the space to listen to your own music and read what you enjoy. Mothering is about connecting with other mothers and finding that so many are doing the same and also doing it differently.

And not to forget that it is about kissing, cuddling, stroking, hugging, running and walking with your daughter or son. Playing with your child and laughing with her or him