In a survey conducted by Mother’s of Preschoolers, a thousand moms were asked what they need the most. Some of their needs included:

  • Adult conversation.
  • To know that I’m normal.
  • Time off.
  • To know that I am a good mother.
  • Time with my husband.
  • Time with God.
  • A dishwasher that loads itself.
  • Support.
  • Someone who understands what I feel.
  • Encouragement.
  • To know that being a mother is important.

This survey turned up a number of recurring hungers many moms share:

  • Significance: sometimes I wonder if mothering matters.
  • Growth: sometimes I long to develop who I am.
  • Intimacy: sometimes I need to be understood.
  • Help: sometimes I need to share the load.
  • Recreation: sometimes I need a break.

I share this to remind us that moms have needs too. Too often, the needs and hungers of moms are the last to be considered. One of the best gifts we could give to a mom is to look at the list above and pick one need we could meet. Could we affirm moms more? Could we volunteer to do the shopping or laundry more often? Could we arrange the babysitting and take mom out for a date? Could we make it a regular practice to check in with mom, giving her the opportunity to vent frustrations and share joys? Could we provide moms with a night to take a class, go out with the girls, participate in Mom’s Better Together (our next one is this coming Friday) or just “chill?”

Paul once wrote, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the  law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).  May we remember, today and often, that among others,“one another” includes moms.

Andy Wall
Author: Andy Wall