COLUMN: ‘PUT ASIDE COMPARISONS AND CELEBRATE EVERY MUM’
Naomi Palmer from Blooming Kids on why every mum deserves to be celebrated this Mother’s Day
At Blooming Kids NI, I have seen hundreds of mums come through the doors – all with very different opinions, family situations and beliefs.
Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes, and so do the choices mums make every single day. Yet, no matter what those choices are, every mum deserves to be celebrated on Mother’s Day. It’s easy to get caught up in debates in those early years – breastfeeding vs bottle feeding, working mums vs stay at home mums, homeschooling vs mainstream schooling, but at the heart of it all, every mum is simply doing her best for her children.
While some mums choose to breastfeed, others bottle feed, and some do a combination of both – and all are amazing. What matters is that babies are loved, fed, and nurtured. A mum who breastfeeds isn’t better or worse than one who uses formula. Every feeding choice comes with its own challenges and sacrifices, and every mum deserves appreciation for making the best decision for her family.
Some mums opt for homeschooling for various reasons- not all of them by choice and what a brave decision that is to make. Some preferring the flexibility and hands-on learning experience, while others send their children to mainstream schools, trusting the structured environment to provide education and social interaction. Regardless of the path chosen, both homeschooling mums and those who navigate school runs, homework, and PTA meetings are equally devoted to their child’s education.
While some mums are able to stay at home, others may choose to return to work for career reasons or some may have to return for financial reasons. Each face their own struggles and triumphs. A working mum might juggle meetings, school drop offs, and bedtime stories, while a stay-at-home mum handles loneliness and endless daily tasks that never seem to end. One might feel guilty about missing moments with their children, while the other might long for a break from the 24/7 nature of parenting. At the end of the day, both are doing what is best for their family, and both deserve a huge round of applause.
Sometimes divisions are made due to the number of children a mum has but it is important to remember that being a mother of one comes with its own unique joys and challenges, just as being a mum of many does, and usually depends on a good support network to help raise them. The truth is, every mum is busy in her own way, giving her heart to the children she has, whether it’s one or ten. Often the decision on number of children is taken out of a mum’s hands as fertility has a huge part to play. Each child is a precious miracle and for some sadly is only a dream.
And let’s not forget foster mums and adoptive mums- women who choose to open their hearts and homes to children who need love and stability. Their journeys may be different, but their love and dedication are just as strong. Motherhood isn’t defined by biology, it’s defined by boundless love, patience, and sacrifice.
Becoming a mum often brings a new perspective on our own mothers. Suddenly, we realise just how much they did for us- the sleepless nights, the sacrifices, the unconditional love. The little things we once took for granted, like home cooked meals, bedtime stories, or just a reassuring hug, become the very things we now model for our own children.
Mother’s Day is not just a time to celebrate ourselves as mums but also to reflect on and appreciate the women who raised us. If we are lucky enough to still have our mums in our lives, it’s the perfect opportunity to say thank you.
So, this Mother’s Day, let’s put aside the comparisons and celebrate every mum, the ones who carried their babies and the ones who didn’t, the ones who work in offices and the ones who work at home, the ones who have one child and the ones who have a whole football team! Because at the end of the day, all mums are superheroes, and they all deserve to be celebrated.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mums!
Keep Blooming, Naomi x
