motherhood

Parents have long been sold a model of childrearing that simply doesn’t work. From reward charts to time outs, many popular parenting approaches are based on shaping behavior, not raising humans. These techniques don’t build the skills kids need for life, or account for their complex emotional needs. Add to that parents’ complicated relationships... See more

It really helps when the woman has some degree of self or identity developed beforehand—some level of her preparedness for having children. The other part that helps expand women’s identities in motherhood is a supportive environment. They should have people around them who are accepting of their struggles as they try to figure out who they are as... See more

“Moms can feel lost in motherhood because there is no sense of that individuality anymore. They feel like their identity has been robbed from them,” Chasity said. Our society perpetuates the idea of shelving parts of ourselves, because our children are supposed to come first.

Motherhood has a way of shaping each of us. Every Mom evolves over time. We are challenged to explore depths of ourselves we’ve often avoided and learn the true meaning of unconditional love.

“The old me was great,” Chastity said. “But I don’t think she exists anymore.” “Parts of my goals and aspirations changed when I became a mom,” she explained. But she had a new motivation in her life—a baby— and if she hadn’t explored those new interests she couldn’t have grown into who she is now.

It’s okay to grieve for the past you. It’s part of... See more