Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the amazing women in our lives who have nurtured us, guided us, and loved us unconditionally. From the moment we are born, mothers play a crucial role in shaping our lives and helping us become the best versions of ourselves. But what does motherhood really mean? How has the role of a mother evolved over time to become more like a best friend (BFF) to their children, and what makes this unique relationship so important in today’s society?
Sharing secrets and personal revelations with your mother can create an unbreakable bond that goes beyond the traditional parent-child relationship and transforms into a lifelong friendship.
“I have always been a patient listener to my children and have expressed support in all their secrets, choices and pursuits. This attitude has made them trust me and share everything and we have evolved more like good friends. This friendship has created such a bond that My children have become my Lifeline,” expressed Sangeetha Lala, President of Retail at Fanzart.
“I am happy everytime my sons share their secrets. It means they see a friend in me with whom they can open up. It gives me a confidence that I am able to give them that comfort level. I respect their privacy and I don’t forget to tell them that I will keep their secrets. I understand how touchy the youngsters can be about their secrets, as I was also a teenager once,” shared Ranjani Niranjan, PhD student (Machine Learning and Convex Optimization), IIIT Bangalore
From navigating taboo topics to offering guidance, how do mothers rise to the occasion when their child seeks advice on sensitive subjects?
“There is a saying in Samskrita that we must treat our children as friends once they reach 16. I try to remember that when I feel uncomfortable. What is uncomfortable with friends ? My hesitation goes away and I can converse with them freely. I have spoken to my sons about the so called taboo subjects in society, and hence I can say this confidently that it is possible to be a friend to your child,” said Ranjani Niranjan, PhD student (Machine Learning and Convex Optimization), IIIT Bangalore.
“Honestly, it has not happened with me yet. However, I think I will openly discuss with them, understand their dilemmas, discuss with my husband and if required with my close friends and then advise,” said Uma Pendyala, Head of Business Operations at SecurEyes.
As children grow older and become adults, the dynamic between them and their mothers can shift from a parent-child relationship to a close friendship. This transformation can have a profound impact on the personal growth and development of both the mother and child.
“Raising two boys and catering to their needs as teenagers has helped me to learn a lot of new sports activities, a new language, Kannada, which they did as a third language in school, and to stay up-to-date with their technology needs,” said Prof. Meenakshi D’Souza, IIIT Bangalore.
Juggling a successful career and motherhood is no easy feat, but some women manage to do it with grace and determination. How do they do it?
“It is now close to 20 years that I have been practicing the tight-rope walk of being a working mother; and every day has been a day of learning Professionally, I am a part of the core Management Team, as head of the Global Business Operations at SecurEyes. This is a key role, and it comes with its own set of responsibilities as well as challenges and so does being a mom! However, over the years I have learnt to balance both my role at home as a mother and my professional role. I have also set up a support system that helps me manage some of my responsibilities with ease. I ensure that I am ALWAYS available to both my organization and my children when required,” Uma Pendyala, Head of Business Operations at SecurEyes.
As we conclude this small exploration of motherhood and its significance in our lives, we’re reminded of the incredible strength, love, and selflessness that mothers bring to the world. From balancing the demands of work and home to providing emotional support and nurturing our growth, mothers play a pivotal role in shaping our lives and shaping the future. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to thank all the mothers in our lives and recognize the immeasurable impact they have on us.
