Mothering Is A Lifetime Job

I’ve noticed something now that my children are growing older.

It is much more accepted when a mother stays home when the children are young.

After all, when children are little they need their mother the most, right?

But when those children reach school age or teen years, it is much less accepted.

The questions begin: “When are you going to go back to work, pursue your career, or get a degree?”

It is easy for many mothers to buy into the fact that our older children no longer need their mothers much, and abandon their post at home. While society may tell you that a teenager no longer needs you, I believe the opposite is true.

I think they need you more.

Many times I think being their mother when they were small was easier. I had their undivided love and attention. I had them safely by my side, guiding and nurturing their every move. As they grow and begin to develop their own personalities, make their own choices and decisions, and discover their own walk with the Lord apart from me, I am learning the fine art of letting go yet holding strong.

With the feminist and humanistic agendas constantly being thrust forward in our society, the constant attack on family and the values of our culture slipping further away from God’s model everyday, my role as a mother is critical in the life of my children throughout their lives, not just when they are babies and toddlers.

When they were small, I often protected them from getting hurt physically. Now I am protecting them from getting hurt emotionally and spiritually by a cruel world that wants to rob their innocence and steal their soul.

The older they get, the bigger the war that is waged against them, and a stronger warrior I need to become. When they begin to grow and their circle of influence widens they need the council of their mother even more to help guide their lives in the right direction. Just as there were dangers to protect them from when they were little, there are dangers to protect them from when they are older. Just as there are lessons to be taught when they were 3, there are lessons to be taught at 13, 15, and 18. The lessons change, but the need for the proper protection, care and guidance of their mother never changes. I cannot imagine abandoning my children at such a pivotal time in their life!

In our society, teenagers are expected to rebel. How many people have ever said to you “Oh they are good now, but you just wait until they are 13,15, 17”?  When a teen gets into trouble, hangs with the wrong crowd, and no longer listens to their parent’s advice it is normal.

But I ask this :   Are we leaving our children too soon, at one of the most critical times in their life? Maybe when they need us the most?

If a mother is there, as an unwavering watchtower over their hearts, minds and souls I wonder if that “age of rebellion” is inevitable, as so many say it is? A mother who doesn’t leave her post can quickly remove any seeds of rebellion that are attempted to be sown into their lives, because you are there. Watching. Guiding. Praying.

Mothers of older children, you are still needed, maybe more than ever, to guard the gates, mend the fences, and continue to teach, protect, and guide your children.

Motherhood is a lifetime job. Always changing, but never stopping. God didn’t designate me to be their mother until they reach such and such an age, but he called me to be their mother for life.

It is a high and noble calling and I don’t think we should be willing to surrender too quickly.

Tagged as: children, Encouragement For Mothers, Motherhood, teens