Why Does Motherhood Seem to Define Our Entire Identity?
Why is it that when we become mothers, this role can sometimes feel like it defines who we are entirely?
Yes, motherhood is an important role in my life, but it is not the source of my identity. I still have a name. I still have passions and interests outside of being a mum.
Recently, I was at a school function and ran into another parent. We started chatting, and her first question was, “Oh, are you Billy’s mom?” That moment got me thinking—why do we, as women, often let this happen? Why do we do it to ourselves and others?
We are not just “mums.” We weren’t always mums. This role should not be the only thing that defines us.
Next time you meet someone, how about shifting the narrative a bit? Instead of “Are you so-and-so’s mum?” try, “Hi, I’m Rebecca, and this is Billy, my son.”
While this is not going to shift the mental load of a mother, it does recognise that mother is just one of the roles we hold.
What do you think? Does this bother you too, or am I being too sensitive? Are there things you’d like to change in how we define ourselves as mothers?
Next time you meet someone, how about shifting the narrative a bit? Instead of “Are you so-and-so’s mum?” try, “Hi, I’m Rebecca, and this is Billy, my son.”
While this is not going to shift the mental load of a mother, it does recognise that mother is just one of the roles we hold.
What do you think? Does this bother you too, or am I being too sensitive? Are there things you’d like to change in how we define ourselves as mothers?