Photo by Whitney Winter
We all know that motherhood is the best improv show out there. And things rarely turn out as planned.
So in the midst of all the chaos and unmet expectations, how can The Power of Acceptance influence us as wives and mothers? What specific things can we do to become healthier, happier women? When a daughter colors on her new doll’s face (as pictured), how do we keep from freaking out?
Click here for Part Two of the podcast, “When Motherhood Doesn’t Turn Out as Planned”
(Click here to listen to Part One.)
*And if you love the quote by Rachel Jankovic that Whitney shares with us during the podcast, you can find it here in full . . . and a snippet below.
“[To many in the world,] children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get. In fact, children rate below your desire to sit around and pick your toes, if that is what you want to do. Below everything. Children are the last thing you should ever spend your time doing.
“Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.
“It isn’t enough to pretend. You might fool a few people. That person in line at the store might believe you when you plaster on a fake smile, but your children won’t. They know exactly where they stand with you. They know the things that you rate above them. They know everything you resent and hold against them. They know that you faked a cheerful answer to that lady, only to whisper threats or bark at them in the car.
“Children know the difference between a mother who is saving face to a stranger and a mother who defends their life and their worth with her smile, her love, and her absolute loyalty.”
(That’s what we’re all about at The Power of Moms.)
“Click here to access all Power of Moms podcasts in iTunes”
I think this is an awful quote and, moreoverm, I think it isfundamemtally wrong.
“Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get. In fact, children rate below your desire to sit around and pick your toes, if that is what you want to do. Below everything. Children are the last thing you should ever spend your time doing.
“Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.”
This is an incredibly small minded way of approcahing motherhood, many millions, no billions, of women around the world, love their children more than imagination, more than words, more than, in fact, life itself without it being a “calling” or what “god gave you time for”. What an absolute assumptive pack of nonsense! Next, will you be posting a comment that as a human race, people (including, of course, children) have been “birthed” from creationism and not evolution?
I also do not believe there is Any validity or truth whatsoever to the comment that – “Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get. In fact, children rate below your desire to sit around and pick your toes, if that is what you want to do. Below everything. Children are the last thing you should ever spend your time doing.” What?????
What an appalling concept. First, the above is an opinion, and nothing more – even though it has been stated as fact. Millions of people love being with their kids, find it a JOY, love their children beyond words without classifying it in any way whatsoever as a “calling” or “god given”. How utterly assumptive to assume children – unless they are a “calling” (what crap) or “god given” (I am no religious at all, but I love them more than the universe and woud happily die for my kids if it came to it) are the last thing worth doing. I am so appalled I am finding it hard to type. I cannot BELIEVE this wesbite has posted something so appalling and wrong.
You know, I have 4 kids (5 and under), and ironically (given the bit about world travel) I am a Dr of int dev/aid and have travelled to over 50 countries and lived and worked in over 11. I am also not religious and do NOT think children are a “calling”. But guess what. I always wanted kids, I always wanted 4 (or more if I could have more, which I can’t), and they are a JOY and I love them more than I could ever possibly come close to expressing. But I do not live through them, nor do I think of them as my “calling” ???? They are independent people and my role as a mother is to love them, to make sure they are happy and able to do what They want in life. But according to the horrendous snippet posted above, I’m not quite sure how that fits in with the tiny, box of “motherhood” as stated by one woman – Rachel Janovik.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mia! I can see that you are a very deliberate mother and have such a love for your children. That is definitely to be admired.
The quote you referenced was included within the context of the podcast (referring to how some people see children)–it’s not reflective of our stance here at The Power of Moms. The author also wasn’t saying that’s how she felt–she was merely saying that many people in the world feel that way (as though children aren’t as important as everything else). Sorry for the confusion.
And yes, of course we agree that there are many non-religious mothers who love their children and don’t consider it to be a calling. This quote was just one perspective a mother shared. At The Power of Moms, we are respectful of diverse beliefs, but we try to find common ground in how we prioritize and care for our children.
We appreciate your insights and your devotion to motherhood!
Hi April,
Thanks for responding to my post. Yes, fair enough – it just came across a bit strong and a bit too “factual”, even though it was just an opinion. But I am aware that you need to cater to a broad audience, and that some people may have found that quote meaningful.
all the best.
Thanks, Mia! We really appreciate having you as a part of our community. Have a wonderful night!
I am making a presentation at a local church group on motherhood. As I have been doing some reading and studying of late – on three difference occasions have I read the quote of: “Motherhood is not a hobby….” I think I’m supposed to include that thought somewhere in my remarks! Thanks for sharing it again!
Loved the discussion as well as the quote. It was a perfect A-Ha moment for me and summarized many thoughts I have been wrestling with. Thanks for helping me along in my journey to become a more deliberate mother!