Mothering Isn’t Just for Mothers

Royalty Free Photo Via Morguefile

Royalty Free Photo Via Morguefile

Mothering is:

Nurturing
Loving
Accompanying
Managing
Supervising
Holding
Feeding
Soothing
Sustaining
Protecting
Cheering
Guiding
Caring
Enlightening
Cuddling
Bonding
Accepting
Seeing
Knowing
Molding
Shaping
Cultivating
Encouraging
Supporting
Adoring
Doting
Tending
Taming
Nourishing
Serving
Calming
Comforting
Refining
Quieting
Defending
Safeguarding
Sheltering
Managing
Directing
Considering
Hugging
Embracing
Attaching
Relating
Accommodating
Tending
Educating

Mothering is all of these things, and mothers aren’t the only ones who mother. 

Dad’s mother. Grandparents. Teachers. Villages. 

Mother’s Day reminds me to honor those who mother, and I think not just of the women who gave birth and adopted, but the communities made of individuals who care for children, keep them safe, love them, nurture them, mother them. Everyone who mothers deserves to be honored for the devoted craft. 

Posted on May 9, 2016 .