Mother: The Definition

Yes, it is the word that defines so many of us women – and it is much much more than our job description or family role. As we all know it’s the most maddening yet fulfilling job in the world. But what is the real definition of the word according to the academics? In case you’re curious….

In the case of a mammal such as a human, the biological mother gestates her child (called first an embryo, then a fetus) in the womb from conception until the fetus is sufficiently well-developed to be born. The mother then goes into labour and gives birth. Once the child is born, the mother produces milk to feed the child.

In non-sexual organisms, “mother” can sometimes be used to mean “parent”; in the case of single-celled organisms that reproduce by fission, the mother is a cell that divides to produce “daughters”.

Mothers typically have a very important role in raising children, and the title mother can be given to a woman other than a biological parent who fills this role. This is most commonly either an adoptive parent or a stepmother (the wife of a child’s father). The term can also refer to a person with stereotypical traits of a mother.

“Mum”/”mummy”, “Mom”/”mommy”, “mama” and “ma” are some familiar or colloquial words for a mother. In many south Asian cultures, the mother is known as “Amma” or “Oma” or “Ammi”, or variations thereof. The “M” sound seems to be universal to the word mother in many different languages. Many times these terms denote affection or a maternal role in a child’s life.

In some societies, single motherhood, the state of an unmarried mother, has been treated as a serious social issue.

Making A Family Time Capsule

Your child is growing so quickly. You are amazed at her every move, her adorable smiles and her ever-growing personality. Why not capture these moments so she can enjoy her childhood long into adulthood? Creating a family time capsule is a wonderful way to protect those cherished memories and strengthen your family’s bond.

If you plan on burying your time capsule outdoors, you will need a waterproof container: a plastic tub with a lid or a large jar works well. You may also use an old lunch box, or a cardboard box sealed in a knotted plastic bag.

Now you can add individual lists of “Things I Am Good At,” as well as school papers, drawings and one special toy apiece. Your child can write a letter to himself, outline feet and hands or describe dreams, ideas and favorite pastimes. Height and weight measurements can also be included for comparison when you dig up the capsule.

Seal your treasures in a plastic bag, and place in the container. Bury the capsule in a secret place, or hide it in the house, garage or attic. You and your family can decide when your capsule should be retrieved. Given a child’s rate of development, even a few months may be long enough.

The Origins Of Father’s Day

Fathers hold a special place in a child’s life. Some Fathers are involved with sports teams, outdoor games, and having lots of fun. While other Dads enjoy helping children learn new skills. It could be anything from baking to building bird houses. It really doesn’t matter how Dads spend time with their children, as long as they do spend time together. Father’s Day is a time to remember just how special is your Dad.

There are many stories how the custom of honoring Dads on a Sunday in June got started. The most popular story about the origins of Father’s Day is said to have started growing its roots in the year of 1909. Mrs. John B. Dodds, from Spokane, Washington, campaigned for a Father’s Day celebration. The idea came to her while she listed to a church sermon on the virtues of Mother’s Day.

Mrs. Dodds thought about her own childhood, raised in a family of six children by a single father after the death of her mother. Mrs. Dodds thought of her father, who acted as both father and mother, and nurtured and cared for her and her siblings. There were many other fathers who selflessly gave of themselves to help take care of their own children, as well as provide for them financially too.

She wanted all fathers to be honored with a special day all their own. She campaigned and worked to spread her message, and even got the help of friends and family to write letters to influential people who could make this dream happen for her.

After much hard work, Father’s Day was first celebrated in 1910. Mrs. Dodds wanted the date of the holiday to be on her father’s birthday, which was the fifth of June. But the events had to be moved to the nineteenth of June so there would be enough time to prepare.

Over time, annual celebrations were held throughout the United States and Canada. In 1972 Richard M. Nixon signed a congressional resolution creating Father’s Day in the United States.

Today, this special day provides the opportunity to honor fathers, stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, guys that act as big brothers, and any other men that have played the father role model your life.