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They Like Me, They Really Like Me! (I Think...)
by  Cheryl Gochnauer, Homebodies.com

As working mothers, we had bosses to reward us and co-workers to share our workplace successes.  Now that we've exchanged our cubicles for our living rooms, affirmation is harder to come by.  The blues can easily move in, dampening our commitment and our spirits.  This is especially true when our children are still in their cribs, are toddlers, or simply haven't yet grasped the fine art of verbally thanking Mom for all she does for them.

Watch for the light in the middle of the tunnel, however.  Savor the non-verbal reinforcement little ones do manage to project, even when those times seem few and far between. "When you cuddle your toddler after a fall or a nightmare, and their arms go around your neck, you can feel the appreciation," says Kathi, an Oklahoma mom of five.  "Maybe they don't have words, but they have love.  Love knows no age restraint.  They love me unconditionally, even when I've had a bad day or burned the toast."

Also let your spouse know you need his encouragement.  "My husband gives me a lot of affirmation," Shauna, a Kansas City mother, points out.  "Whenever I'm having one of those 'underpaid maid' days, he reminds me that my job is most important, and that our boys - when they realize that I made the choice to be home with them and gave them my first and best - will be overcome with appreciation!"

Shauna's husband likes knowing his children are safe and secure while he works.  "He thinks of our kids, warm and snuggled at home, having the privilege of playing in their own yard, napping in their own beds, reading books with their own mom, and getting to be a laid-back-all-around kid, instead of being shuffled through daycare for 8-12 hours a day."  Sharing his contentment with his wife helps lift her up as she pursues her rewarding, but often challenging, at-home career.

What about the times we're depressed and Hubby isn't around to encourage us?

"As moms, we all have down days, no matter how old our children are," Terri acknowledged in a recent posting on the Homebodies message boards.  "So here's something I do for myself."

Terri created an "I'm Special Box" and filled it with thank you cards, birthday wishes, letters, and cards and pictures made by her children.  She also included a candle, photographs of her family, special candy and treats, and favorite books.

"Everything is bundled up and put together.  When I feel blue, I pull them out, open a sunny window, light my candle and sift through all the cards and letters and re-read them.  I look at my family photos and pictures the kids have drawn and soon, I'm lifted again.

"Each day we touch someone's life, and I think we have to remind ourselves of this," Terri says.  "We are all uniquely special as mothers.  God knew what He was doing when He gave me my two children. He gave me my life!"

To read more of Cheryl's articles, visit her website at www.homebodies.org.

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