How to teach a little mothering and empathy

Admit it, I know I do! We all like it when we have someone care enough to check up on us. Kids, young and adult, may roll their eyes when their mom calls, but it secretly makes you feel loved. Doesn’t it? It doesn’t have to be your mom either. It can be a friend, a relative, male or female. It’s the act of caring that counts.

It’s only called “mothering” because it means to care for or protect like a mother. Sadly, not all mothers do this. That’s where fathers, friends, aunts, cousins, etc. come in.

I’m the oldest child in my family. I’ve already shared that I’ve done a ton of babysitting. My kids are some of the oldest cousins in the family. Even though they are boys, they got to do lots of caring for younger kids.

So, how do you teach this? Is it only an inborn trait? This is something you can teach by example and experience. Not only will your child be a great parent, but they will be a wonderful friend, an awesome grandchild, and more.

My one year old granddaughter takes a doll, feeds it a bottle and pats it on the back. She obviously is mimicking actions she has observed.

Why should you care? The act of mothering means a person can empathize. They can see what another person is possibly going through, and help. Wouldn’t it be better if we all showed a little more empathy? I know we all like to receive it.

I know that anywhere I go and interact with someone who cares a little about their job, The results are so much better. It makes my day, and makes whatever I’m trying to accomplish much easier. A recent fight with insurance was that way for me. I called for weeks, wrote letters, and kept getting the brush off. Finally, I appealed to the state and spoke with someone in person. At first he started to tell me the paperwork and routine. I pleaded my case and the severity. In 4 days, my medication was approved. Someone finally cared enough to do their job.

Pay it forward. Make someone’s day. Show your kids how it’s done.

My sister with my niece

You wouldn’t believe the “mothering” older sisters are capable of! Just ask my brother😂

1 John 3:18

Dear children, let us not love with words or in speech but with actions and in truth.

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Author: howdoesamomknow

As the title says, above all, I’m a mom. There are many roles that I fill, but mom describes me best. I’m a wife, mother, sister, daughter, nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, mother in law, dog lover, patient, friend, care giver, teacher, leader, crafter, consumer, writer. I could go on, but I’m sure you get the idea. We all have so many roles. I feel I have a lot to share, and decided a blog would be a great way to do it. I live in a rural area, so this is the best way to connect with others. View all posts by howdoesamomknow