When our youngest was 2 years old, his favorite book was “Are You My Mother?” It’s about a bird that hatches, doesn’t see his mom and leaves the nest to find her. The baby bird sees different farm animals and transportation and asks each one “are you my mother” until at last he finds her. He instinctively recognizes his mother when he finally sees her.

Our little guy heard this story so often, he had memorized it. One day, while I prepared dinner, he lay on the kitchen floor and said, “You are not a boat, an airplane or a bird. You’re my mother!” The way he said it melted my heart and also gave me confidence.

I AM his mother!

I can trust my gut and maternal instincts in raising him because I am his mother.

I can confidently provide education for my child because I am his mother.

I can decide his healthcare- choosing what does and does not go into his body…because I am his mother.

YOU are your child’s mother. And while we are grateful for child-rearing experts, doctors, teachers and that relative or friend who always has an opinion, they are not YOU.

Too many systems are vying to replace your role, trying to replace YOU. Confidently take your place as their mother. Your kids need you. They are looking for you. Trust yourself as their mom and stand in your role!