There’s a common issue lurking in every parenting group I engage with online—be it Facebook, message boards, or email lists. It’s not the incessant pleas for pediatrician referrals, the barrage of alarming vaccine articles, or the parent who seems overly concerned about their child’s occasional sniffles (hint: it’s totally normal, and those runny noses might stick around for a while). No, the real culprit is the way every interaction seems to kick off with the same word: Mama.
“Hey Mamas!” “Hi Mamas!” “New Mama here!” “Mamas, I need help!” “Mamas, my baby said Mama today!” The repetition is endless. It’s almost like a chorus—“Mammma, ooooh!”—that just won’t quit. While I don’t have an issue with the term itself—after all, it was charming and heartfelt when I first heard it from my kids and even from a bearded hippie at a concert—it has morphed into something that sometimes feels suffocating.
At first, being called “Mama” felt like an honor. I wear my motherhood with pride and cherish the community of mothers I connect with both online and in person. Yet, over time, this constant labeling has grown to be a bit overwhelming. It’s not just the digital world; I’m labeled “Mama” in real life too, from the pediatrician checking on my sick child to the cashier at the store. “All the mamas in the room!” a fitness instructor shouts, leaving me feeling like a caricature rather than an individual.
This relentless categorization diminishes the myriad other roles we occupy. I am a mother, yes, but I’m also a writer, a daughter, a friend, and someone who enjoys yoga and binge-watching shows. I am a graduate, a feminist, and even a fan of Twilight. The world sees me as just “Mama,” but I’m more than that. My husband, a fantastic father, is rarely referred to as “Papa” in the same way. He is not reduced to just his role in our family, and I want the same acknowledgment of my full identity.
Every time I’m asked about my kids while out with my husband, it feels as if their well-being is solely my responsibility. The truth is, motherhood is just one part of our lives. We deserve the space to embrace every aspect of who we are, not just the bits that fit neatly into the “Mama” box. Our motherhood should be celebrated, but so should every other facet of our identities.
Only my children have the right to call me “Mama.” The rest of the world should find another term. And no, “Mommy” doesn’t cut it.
For those on a journey of starting a family, consider checking out this insightful article on Couples’ Fertility Journey for Intracervical Insemination. It’s crucial to acknowledge the complexities of fertility as well, and Fertility Booster for Men can be an excellent resource. Additionally, if you’re looking for more information on pregnancy, the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation offers valuable insights.
In summary, while “Mama” is a cherished title, it shouldn’t be the only way we’re identified. We are multifaceted individuals with dreams, aspirations, and stories beyond motherhood. Let’s embrace the entirety of who we are.
Keyphrase: “mama is a four-letter word”
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