Most mothers I know play a multiple array of roles in their children’s lives and wear so many hats they may reach to the ceiling when stacked.  When school begins, mothers sometimes take on added stressors within the family.  Add a child with a learning disability and the role of motherhood (or parenthood) becomes even more complicated. Statistics show that mothers take on most of the household chores (thankfully, this statistic is changing for the better) including cleaning, laundry and cooking.  Many mothers have the sole responsibility for checking on the completion of homework too.  Perhaps it is time take inventory of the hats in your closet and the roles you are playing in your child’s life.

One mother wore the hat of “coach” at her daughter’s soccer game.  She constantly yelled from the sidelines about her child’s positioning on the field.  She screamed throughout the game and paced the sideline.  Her daughter was six years old.  Another mother took on the “room mother” role to an extreme measure, always providing goodies for every party and organizing every single event in the classroom for the year.  Another mother routinely went over her high school student’s homework, reviewing vocabulary and quizzing her child each night.  No doubt, mothers want what is better for their children, but sometimes they end up sacrificing their own lives.  Take inventory of the hats you are wearing this school year.  It may be time for a yard sale.

Marlayne Whitlock, MA
MWhitlock@ GROWCounseling.com