Importance of Mother Essay Example
Importance of Mother Essay Example

Importance of Mother Essay Example

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  • Pages: 11 (2772 words)
  • Published: March 17, 2018
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In 2005, Sheila Kippley organized a meeting to showcase the significance of a mother's presence during a child's initial three years. Many experts and writers have influenced numerous mothers, underscoring the vital role of the mother's presence for optimal development. This awareness has empowered these mothers to make choices that enable them to be with their children or minimize time spent apart from them. While there are different viewpoints on raising children, this is not the suitable context for discussing parenting issues.

Experts and ordinary individuals concur on the vital role that mothers play in their child's emotional, physical, and spiritual development, notwithstanding varying perspectives on practical aspects of parenting. Quotations will be utilized to emphasize the significance of a mother's presence in a child's initial three years. It is noteworthy to mention tha

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t incorporating a quote from a particular book or author does not indicate endorsement of their parenting beliefs. Schools and churches should enhance their endeavors to educate teenagers and young adults about the significance of bonding between mother and baby during the early stages.

Providing education to couples on reducing college debt is essential in preventing the wife from being unable to stay at home after having their first child. Some mothers are compelled to work as single parents or due to the loss of a spouse, while others may have delayed becoming stay-at-home moms because of their family's financial situation. These specific mothers need our support, along with help from their churches and community, to fulfill the necessary needs of their baby or family.

There is a widespread belief that when a father is not present in the home, it greatly contributes to juvenile

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delinquency and involvement in gangs. However, David Blankenhorn, an expert on fatherhood and author of "Fatherless America," recognizes the significance of the bond between mother and baby during early development. Blankenhorn proposes that eventually, the father should become the primary and close figure. It is worth mentioning that society and new mothers typically anticipate the mother's return to work after giving birth without much dispute.

I hope these quotes will inspire deep reflection on the topic. Quotations support the idea that a mother's presence in a child's first three years of life is crucial and provides insight into their future behavior. The strength of the bond between mother and baby has an impact on society as a whole. La Leche League emphasizes the importance of keeping babies and mothers together during early years, stating that a baby's need for affection from their mother is just as important as their need for nourishment (La Leche League International, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 7th ed., pp.167-168). Breastfeeding, especially ecological breastfeeding and extended lactation, plays a significant role in providing both nurturing and superior nutrition to the baby. Extended lactation effectively fulfills these two vital aspects with positive outcomes. Most importantly, it ensures that the mother remains accessible, responsive, and attentive to her baby's needs during the critical first three years of life (Sheila Kippley, Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing, 4th ed., p.106). According to medical experts and experienced mothers alike, successful breastfeeding requires constant proximity between the baby and mother. Breastfed infants typically feed every two to four hours, frequently throughout the day and night, occasionally for longer durations. It is crucial for more American parents to allocate

additional time with their children instead of engaging in full-time jobs away from home.

The text stresses the importance of mothers being present and involved in their children's lives, advocating for more options for mothers to either stay home or work part-time. It underscores society's tendency to undervalue the role of motherhood. The text also addresses various natural processes such as sexual intercourse, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early childhood that contribute to the bond between mother and child. These experiences are believed to hold emotional and spiritual significance for women. Additionally, it mentions that within the first three years of life, individuals undergo a psychological transformation that shapes their sense of self and individuality.

In her book "Oneness & Separateness" (p.15), Louise Kaplan, Ph.D., highlights how an infant's self-development during these crucial three years affects their future existence. Some propose day and night care centers as a solution to enable women to participate in activities beyond childcare, implying significant financial resources and time investment in supporting such facilities.

According to Dana Raphael in "The Tender Gift: Breastfeeding" (p. 168), it has been found that infants thrive best when primarily cared for by their own mothers, as long as the household is stable and economically secure. However, there are situations where surrogate mothers may be necessary. Nevertheless, there is no substitute for a child's own parents, particularly the mother, in providing emotional and physical benefits.

Bennett Olshaker, M.D., in "The Child as a Work of Art" (pp. 39-40), supports this idea by emphasizing that after considering all available information, the mother is the most suitable caretaker for a child during infancy. Despite exceptions where surrogate mothers are required, having a

child's own parents, especially the mother, is irreplaceable.

Another source states that what a baby needs isn't just any kind of mother or necessarily their biological mother but rather a single consistent and loving caregiver.

According to Charles and Audrey Riker, babies in foundling homes display a lack of growth and show signs of low energy and shyness. These infants frequently grow up to become troubled individuals who have difficulty with giving or receiving love. The authors also suggest that if we consider suicide as the sixth most prevalent cause of death in the U.S., and the third leading cause among teenagers, not being hereditary, it must be connected to early life experiences (Understanding Parenthood, p. 36-37).

Infants depend completely on their mother or surrogate mother, also known as "thee one," for all their needs in the first eight months of life. I believe that the initial feeling of wanting to die arises when the mother is not present and inaccessible. In the LLLI Convention in 1981, Edgar Draper, M.D., asserted that a child's social progress is impeded if they lack a consistent primary maternal figure who can devote sufficient time and love to them.

Every word in this sentence holds equal importance as it defines specific meanings. "Single" denotes a singular person and does not imply multiple individuals. "Constant" indicates that the same person remains consistently present. "Motherly" refers to someone who displays behaviors typically associated with mothers towards children. The term "main mother figure" signifies that secondary figures such as fathers, siblings, or grandparents may offer support but cannot replace the primary mother figure. Additionally, being a "person" entails fully supporting and dedicating time to the child's

well-being (Theodore Hellbrugge, Child and Family, 1979).

According to Margaret Mead in Catholic World (November 1970), studies suggest that frequent changes in caregivers can be challenging for children as they require continuity of care. If a mother works full-time, it becomes difficult for her to provide this consistent presence. Furthermore, young children need someone who demonstrates intense interest by spending countless hours responding to their needs and initiating interactions. This individual must repeat sounds, observe subtle expressions, reinforce new skills, boost self-confidence, and foster a sense of self.

The bond between mother and child is unbreakable since the mother fulfills the essential task of nourishing her child physically by needing to bring them along when she goes out. This mutual dependency extends beyond mere sustenance; there exists an emotional connection rooted in fondness and love between themThe inseparability of the mother and child is evident in their mutual need for nutrition and love, which both contribute to the child's adaptation to the world. This bond occurs organically, emphasizing the natural connection between them.

Mothers have a tradition of being cautious about leaving their child in the care of others, unless this trust has been disrupted by civilization. Additionally, mothers often choose to breastfeed for an extended period of time, ranging from one and a half to three years, even though their child is capable of eating other foods. This prolonged breastfeeding fulfills the mother's innate desire to provide her child with a strong social foundation through constant companionship. According to Maria Montessori's book, The Absorbent Mind (pp. 105-106), if bottle feeding is used instead of breastfeeding, the mother must recognize that the infant still needs both nourishment and

affection in her arms in order to satisfy their biological need for closeness. Unlike breastfeeding, using a bottle does not guarantee the same natural bond between baby and mother that occurs during the first one or two years of life when breastfeeding naturally brings them together.

According to Selma Fraiberg in her book Every Child's Birthright (pp. 27-28), breastfeeding plays a crucial role in promoting mothering and the formation of human bonds. It is an ingenious arrangement that brings two humans close together, as it cannot be done from a distance. The act of breastfeeding requires holding the child close to the mother, allowing their bodies to touch and warmth to merge. This physical closeness not only nourishes the child but also depends on the support of the mother's arms.

Breastfeeding fosters a strong bond between a mother and her child, as the mother selflessly dedicates herself to the role of motherhood. This connection enables a deep understanding and familiarity between the mother and baby. According to James L. Hymes, Jr.'s book, The Child Under Six (p. 46), it is crucial for the child to remain with their mother during the first three years of life. The younger the child, particularly if the father is absent, the more they rely on their mother's presence. However, many working parents struggle to find sufficient time for their child's needs and can only provide one, two or three hours instead of the necessary eight to nine hours of care and attention (as stated by Horst Schetelig, M.D., at the LLLI Convention in 1981). In his book Mother and Infant (p. 269), Rev. William Virtue highlights that breastfeeding is an inherent

duty in effective mothering as it promotes both physical and emotional well-being in infants. By consistently being present for her child and fulfilling their requirements for love, attention, guidance, assurance, and reassurance; mothers become indispensable figures in their children's lives.

When a woman chooses to leave her profession and become a mother, she takes on the ultimate responsibility of shaping her child's character, personality, and intellectual development. This decision ensures that important beliefs, values, and perspectives on life are not entrusted to others. Especially in the early stages of life, young children need an uninterrupted and close connection with their mothers. Recent studies on attachment have shown that fathers also play a significant role in a child's growth, but the quality and consistency of the bond between mother and child are crucially important. Love is vital for both human society and our relationship with God. Therefore, a child's primary need is to experience love, which promotes healthy self-love and the ability to love others. Nature has designed it so that babies typically come one at a time to facilitate this imparting of love through an individual relationship. Women have been naturally given the gift of motherhood for this essential task.

Major authorities recognize the unique ability of females to care for newborns. After extensive study, it is universally agreed that for optimal personal growth, children need their mother or a full-time mother substitute's undivided attention during their first three years of life (Herbert Ratner, M.D., Nature, the Physician, and the Family, pp. 157, 162). The ongoing political debate regarding day care and family-leave policy indirectly acknowledges a genuine child care crisis that is expected to worsen in

the future.

The growing number of children being raised outside their homes and by caregivers who are not their parents is depriving them of the personal attention, affection, and dedicated care they require. While feminists and day care advocates have consistently argued for government support in offering affordable and high-quality day care to those who want it, they are not referring to the only child care option that meets these criteria. What is truly necessary is advocating for the world's finest and most effective child care system: a mother (Brian Robertson, There’s No Place Like Work, p. 32). In his article "The Family in America" (February 1991), Burton White advises parents against entrusting others with the primary responsibility of raising a child during their first three years of life. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of breastfeeding in a child's early years on their future development and adulthood. The evidence supports breastfeeding for a minimum of twelve months with gradual cessation when the infant is ready, while introducing solid foods starting at six months.

The mother has a natural instinct to know when it is the right time to start weaning her baby. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and child. The purpose is not just to provide the child with proper nutrition, but also to create a loving environment full of affection and comfort that aids in their growth. However, breastfeeding alone cannot accomplish this; it is the strong bond between mother and child that gives breastfeeding its profound significance. This importance is highlighted by Ashley Montagu in his book "Touching" and psychiatrist Dr. Roland Summit from U emphasizes it as well (p. 73-74).

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L. A., a specialist in the treatment of sexually abused children for 15 years, stresses that current scientific data does not support the notion that there is currently an increase in sexual abuse of children compared to previous decades (Ronald Lindsey, New York Times, April 4, 1984, p. A21). However, research indicates that when a child becomes distant from their biological mother, their vulnerability to exploitation rises as certain predators seize any opportunity to gain access to them.

Moreover, per capita disposable income in constant dollars has now more than doubled since 1950 and tripled since 1930. In the past, parents made sacrifices and managed with what they had for their children; however, nowadays it feels like we are constantly lacking. The materialistic mindset responsible for high crime rates today also leads to neglecting children so that adults - the more influential members of society - can indulge in more material luxuries such as larger houses and newer cars.

The crime rate among white children is growing at a rate that exceeds twice the rate of growth among black juveniles. There are additional family issues impacting American families and endangering long-term civil unity. An example is latchkey children, estimated to number 3.4 million in America. Compared to those in daycare, these children present an increased immediate threat to society as they are not infants. Being alone during evenings while waiting for their working parents to return, they have more chances to partake in antisocial behaviors than younger siblings.

According to Andrew Peyton Thomas, parent selfishness encompasses various familial shortcomings such as day care, divorce, illegitimacy, child abuse, and abortion/infanticide. Thomas argues that children are taught early on to

prioritize their own interests. He also suggests that full-time day care, especially group care, is not a suitable substitute for parental presence and can be especially harmful for kids below the age of three (Thomas, pp. 169-170).

According to William and Wendy Dreskin in their book "The Day Care Decision", they observed that children at their preschool/day care center displayed various negative emotions such as tears, anger, withdrawal, or deep sadness as a result of spending eight to ten hours away from their parents every day. Despite their affection and care for these children, the authors discovered that these feelings of loss and abandonment could not be eliminated. They realized that the duration of separation from parents plays a crucial role in this matter (Dreskin, pp. 18). The authors also emphasize the importance of developing a positive bond with the baby through a favorable childbirth experience for both the baby and the parents.

Strengthen the bond with your child by breastfeeding them until they no longer require it. Ensure that your baby stays with you as much as possible, as separations and changing caregivers hinder the development of trust. According to Elliott Barker M.D. in the video "When You Can't Feel No Love" and "The Greatest Cruelty" by the Canadian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the most severe form of cruelty is emotionally damaging someone to the point where they cannot establish affectionate relationships or trust in others, ultimately hindering their empathy capacity.

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