Mother Culture Part 2 - What it is

First, let's review. Mother Culture =

a) What I am trying to obtain by watching copios amounts of Korean Drama

b) That weird thing used to make kombochu tea

c) Trying to bypass our reliance on God to supply patience, grace, understanding by taking lots of breaks from our children and our responsibilities.

d) none of the above

So what is Mother Culture?

It's the idea that the mother does have needs. And that in filling them, she is growing her mind so that she is better able to grow her child's. Even if my only priority in life was my children (which of course, they aren't, they are up there but God and Craig beat them out, sorry kiddos :-), I would still need to do this.

Craig and I recently started working on our family mission statement and part of that process involves talking about our vision for our home. I do want to create an environment and home that inspires my children but I've realized that more important than that environment is my role as an example. Developing a love for learning is more than lining up puzzles and activity trays. I can't expect to inspire my children to learn and grow if the only thing they've seen me read in the last 6 years is nursery rhymes. I'm a great believer in nursery rhymes but they have their limits.

So taking time to nourish my mind isn't selfish, it's imperative. My children need to see my reading. And they need to have a mom that isn't intellectual stagnant. So does my husband for that matter. He's not really a big fan of nursery rhymes.

Now, if you've read the original mother culture article (and you have, haven't you? If not, stop reading this until you have, that's much better written!) you'll notice it is referring to reading. But I think the concept can apply to other areas as well. I can't trick my kids. If I want them to yearn for a deep relationship with God, to make studying the Bible and praying a priority, then it has to be a priority for me. And if I want them to enjoy spending time outside, I need to be out there with them showing them that love and not sitting on my butt in front of the computer watching Korean dramas (that's why I watch those when they are napping - just keeping it real :-) I've got to walk the walk - literally. There are so many books, articles and papers about how important it is for kids to be outside/be reading/eat lots of vegetables and fruits but the reason it isn't happening isn't because we don't think it's important, its that it doesn't happen for the kids if it isn't happening for the parents.

Of course, I don't do all those things just for my kids. I want them for myself too. But thinking about the Mother Culture aspect keeps me from using my kids as an excuse, which I'll be honest with you, I tend to do that sometimes...I just can't find the time to study God's word. It's too hard to read with little ones around. Bundling everyone up to go outside is a lot of work and I'm tired. I'll do better when they are older...no! Making time for those things isn't taking a break from my responsibility, it is my responsibility.

Looking back over this post, it seems a bit preachy. But that's mostly because I'm preaching to myself.