Surprising Statistics: The Impact of Meaningful Connections with Other Moms on Mother's Day

As Mother's Day approaches, many of us are reminded of the importance and value of the bond between a mother and her child. However, this holiday is not just about celebrating our mothers but also our connection with other moms. According to a recent study, 76% of mothers feel that having strong connections with other moms makes them a better parent. This statistic highlights the significant impact that meaningful connections with other moms can have on our lives as mothers. In this article, we will explore the power of these connections and how they can enhance our experience as mothers on this special day. From humorous anecdotes to practical tips, get ready to discover the magic of connecting with other moms on Mother's Day and beyond.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother's Day an official holiday to be observed on the second Sunday of May. The holiday is dedicated to expressing love and gratitude to mothers and acknowledging women's sacrifices for their children. Over time, it has become an opportunity to show appreciation for a mother figure.

An article in Psychology Today mentions that research increasingly shows that moms are consistently listed as people's heroes when asked. For me, the meaning of this day changed in 2017. I am blessed to know several fantastic mothers, but I also have experience with those who struggle to fulfill the pressure of an enormous obligation. This article discusses ways that motherhood and mother-like connections can enhance our well-being and connections with others.

Some would say that motherhood is survival in many ways. You can't successfully raise a good human and maintain your sanity at the same time without help. Let's discuss how our experience with our mother or as a mother impacts our connection beyond the relationship.

Meaningful Connections

Our mothers provide a sense of security in our lives. Mothers are naturally designed to provide for and protect their young, eventually training them to be independent. Our parents are the first ones we connect with; they are the first to introduce us to the world and how it works. As young people, we challenge their authority in pursuit of our thoughts and views of the world.

As a woman, becoming a mother is a journey in itself. Our bodies grow and develop while bringing life into the world; we change and evolve as people and partners. We continuously adapt our way of being for this tiny person we get into the world. It's a lot!

Once I became a mom, my perspective changed. My experience and the experiences of other mothers in the world were instantly connected. In moments of struggle, I found solidarity in knowing someone had survived it before me and whom I could ask for advice or seek comfort in some of the most challenging parts—and there were many!

There are both sides to Mother's Day and celebrating the work and sacrifice of others. For some, it is a day we wish to avoid, which brings up wounds that sometimes we want to close. It can remind us what we have lost, not yet experienced, or will ever experience. That, too, can create a connection in knowing you are not alone in the experience you are going through and can provide an opportunity for someone to be seen. For all of this, connection is the one thing that allows us to not feel alone in life.

Shared Experiences & Validation

All sides have challenges, and all sides of motherhood have shared experiences that must be validated and understood. In honoring our mothers, we do two things. First, we celebrate the women who bore us and the ones who raised us—for some, those are not the same person. Second, we acknowledge the nature and nurture of motherhood—the wisdom needed to pass down knowledge and experience to the next generation.

I found that simply understanding a single experience about motherhood with someone else helped me instantly connect with them. The stories, advice, support, questions, all of it—I was instantly a part of this club, waiting with open arms.

The body is fantastic. So many natural things happen when we create life. Our experiences can vary. Sharing and acknowledging each other's experiences can also bring us together. Building a network once you have children can be important, but so can supporting those on the journey to have children—or a support network in choosing or not being able to have children. To each their own.

The next time you see that woman expressing their feelings on Facebook or a mother loses her shit in a grocery store, give them a gesture that lets them know you see them. A smile or gentle "How can we help?" makes all the difference.

Continuous learning

Mothers are everything and nothing at the same time. We must have it all together, only to fall apart. We must be brave and effortless in providing for our kids while making it happen at work. When we choose our family over our work, it can be a struggle internally. It can also be the right decision for our lives. We must also not be too extra or make it all about us. We must make healthy decisions but not look too crazy while we are making said decisions. We need to let go a little, but we can't remove ourselves from all responsibility. (cause we're a parent). It is a delicate balancing act without a net. There is no one to catch us as we fall unless we bring a net for someone else to hold. We then feel guilty for asking someone else to look out for us.

What I am learning about parenting, being a mom, and being a woman all at once is to make your own rules. What works for you and your family may not work for everyone else—and they are not you. As a mother, I learn something every day from my kids. Thanks to the tiny mirrors, my little people, and my house, I am constantly reminded that everyone has their path. Yet, we are connected by our shared experiences of life.

Throughout life, we have struggles and triumphs, challenges and breakthroughs. Parenting allows us a front-row seat to most of it. As a mother, I'm forever tethered to the beauty of it all. You see, spouses get a front-row seat, but there is something miraculous in joining the fantastic world of creating life. It is a huge responsibility, overwhelming to most, and a tremendous honor. Afforded in that honor are humility and respect, knowing that it is not afforded to everyone and that they choose not to use their power. Again, to each their own.

How do we do it? The answer to that question depends on how you view the question. I'm learning that we each have a hand in how we evolve as parents and as people. My relationship with my mother is an excellent example of that. Let's say I wasn't the easiest teenager. I challenged my parents, and I'm not always the most respectful. I have evolved since I had my girls. My perspective has changed. My understanding of what my parents went through has shifted. The unbelievable miracle that I am today is simply because of the love and luck of some fantastic people, is an understatement. I look at these today and realize I have come a long way just to be here. (My sister and I pictured at birth and two weeks old.)

We learn from our experiences and connect with them as well. Mothers don't always get it right. Usually, what they teach others results from something they have regretted or missed.

Developed Relationships

Motherhood has created some of the most amazing friendships. I have also seen many friends shapeshift into motherhood, like Mystique in X-Men. It is part of their essence; they embrace and remove it when necessary. The demands of committing your life to developing a tiny human into a good person take time away from molding the connections we have as friends. Our time with our kids usually takes precedence, so our relationships with other women dwindle.

However, don't be shy about nourishing the bonds with those who get you. The bonds we build with others who understand and see us are just as important as the ones we build with our children. We need women in our lives who remind us of who we are. We are more than just parents or not parents. The bonds we build with friends who don't have children also keep us in a valid perspective. (Or they keep us young, at least!) Spend time with those people. Validate those connections and nurture those relationships, too.

As a mother, I am constantly reminded to show my girls that I am still a woman, not just their mom. I often need a reminder that my mom was once a young girl who had dreams and loves before I came into her life. To see her in that light reminds me that she is not just my mom but also an amazingly fascinating human being whom I only know one side of.

Our relationship with ourselves needs to be nurtured as well. As mothers, we usually come last. We forget to promote the spirit of who we are so we can share it with the world. Connecting with other moms and women who share our experiences invites that urge back into our lives. We can be seen as women with shared values and passions, not just bodies who made a little cute human.

We Don't Always Get It Right

This goes back to learning from our mistakes. There is a connection between our mistakes as well. As a parent, things will go wrong. That is what we call normal. It never goes how we intended; the world turns to us and says, " Ah ha! What about that?!" of course, we all should embrace it and say, "Yup, sure. Thanks!" But instead, I find nothing wrong with having the urge to throw up a middle finger at life sometimes. Again, that is what we call normal. The connection lies in our ability to recognize the need for that feeling to be validated in each other.

The ability to be seen as flawed and misguided. The ability to look at another woman, see her struggle, and identify with her is essential. The ability to experience nature in all its ferociousness and talk to someone who has walked through that and said, " I got you." Takes your hand and says, " You ready?" That is everything. It is healthy.

This is what Mother's Day should be. It's not a trophy to show off. It's a lens through which we view the world. We recognize that everyone is blessed with a mother at some point. We all came from someone. If you think about it long enough, you realize we all have been scared, wet, and naked in front of strangers at least once in our lives. Let's be honest: none of us would be here if it weren't for our moms.

As we celebrate Mother's Day this year, let's not forget the power of meaningful connections with other moms. As we've seen through surprising statistics, these connections can tremendously impact our lives as mothers. From reducing stress and feelings of isolation to providing support and empathy, connecting with other moms can make all the difference in our motherhood journey. So, let's try reaching out to other moms in our circles and beyond. Let's continue to build and strengthen these connections, not just on Mother's Day but every day.

We'd love to hear more from our readers. In the comments, let us know if this post resonates with you.