As a teenager, I used to watch television commercials,
which portrayed the mother almost like a superhero who knows exactly what the
entire family wants without anyone expressing themselves. I too aspired to be
this superhero when I became a mother. However, I realized that it is not very easy,
and it is definitely not possible to know everything.
For centuries, society has stereotyped mother as the
ultimate caregiver. This pressurizes them to believe that they should know it
all. A mother reprimands herself if misses on a sign and is constantly gripped
with the fear of failure and being judged.
At times, the society fails to understand that we
mothers too are normal human beings with our own limitations. There are times
when we don’t exactly know when our children feel hungry or what therapy to
follow when they have a stomach pain. We
learn from our experiences, our surroundings, our mistakes and of course by
asking others. So, if I am asking other mothers how to potty train my child, it
does not show my ignorance, but my willingness to learn from other moms, who
probably have been in my shoes and can share helpful tips. No one knows it all,
and instead of criticizing the mother it is a chance for the family to support
her in the journey of raising her child well.
A short film developed by All Out for their
#MujheSabNahiPata campaign- https://www.facebook.com/AllOutIN/videos/256425565275319/
has accurately captured a mother’s dilemma prompted by social pressures. A
story that resonates with all moms, the film gives out the message that it
takes a tough mom to admit that she doesn’t know it all.
I could relate to the film as it reminded me of my
own #MujheSabNahiPata moment. When my
daughter had not begun talking till her 2nd birthday, I was held
responsible and often judged as a careless mother, who cannot train her child
well. I still recall that guilty feeling which clouded me all the time, making
me doubt my capabilities as a mother. Though things have worked themselves out
my daughter speaks fluently, I can’t help but wonder what went on in the minds
of those who were quick to judge me. That helpless feeling when someone holds
you responsible for something you didn’t know is certainly terrible.
At a recent event organized by All Out for its
campaign, noted personalities converged to discuss this standard social
conditioning and the constant pressure that all moms go through in India. They
delved into how in a constantly emerging world of threats, mothers often do not
get a chance to pay heed to smaller things like a mosquito bite, which could
cause a deadly disease like dengue. This is mainly due to her focus on bigger
responsibilities. I was particularly impressed by the easy tips given by one of
the panelists, pediatrician Dr Samir Dalwai’s which were focused around symptoms
to watch out for e.g. is the child less energetic than usual, is he/she eating less
than usual. Listening to noted actress Sonali
Bendre, who is also a mom, share her motherhood journey and highlight the
importance of the campaign and celebrate tough moms who admit #MujheSabNahiPata
was a riveting experience.
The audience which comprised of mothers like me
were highly engaged in the conversation and participated by sharing personal
anecdotes and their #MujheSabNahiPata stories. I was glad to meet like-minded
people who kept judgment out of the room and gave me the courage to admit
#MujheSabNahiPata without feeling guilty about it.
This slogan really rings true and I am so glad that someone has had the courage to say it. Looks like it was a wonderful event.
ReplyDeleteNoor Anand Chawla
I was glued to this campaign, Sonali's videos and lots of social posts and I must say, it spoke out what we mom's want to..it's a brilliant campaign
ReplyDeleteIts a very beautiful campaign. I guess you had a great time in that event. I wish even i could be present for that event.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what our society needs to know that we mums are also normal human beings and we should not be expected to know everything at all times. We can also have our aspirations and should be allowed to think about ourselves too. Great post Jhilmil. It makes me so much happy that you took part in this campaign.
ReplyDeleteI really hope this campaign comes to Bangalore too. Much needed here too
ReplyDeleteMums are expected to know it all, buy why, they too are human and they can too make mistakes. I hate when they are judged if something goes wrong. Great initiative .
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you! We are normal human beings who become mothers and we do not know everything! Asking for help or ideas is great and a way to Learn! Amazing initiative!
ReplyDeleteI agree..moms are humans too. They don't know everything and that's ok. Looks like a great event. Must have been a good experience.
ReplyDeleteI agree mothers are also normal human beings and it's not necessary to know everything. Looks like a awesome event
ReplyDeleteSo much needed this in our society! Moms can’t be perfect and know-all all the times. They can make mistakes too. Great event it seems to be!
ReplyDeleteGreat to know that such campaign is there. Everyone wants to know that mothers have their life to live as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing initiative. So true moms don't know everything. Looks like you had an amazing experience there and I really like the hashtag.
ReplyDeleteIndeed mom journey is learning process from the day one. That's great initiative to support mom. Yes mother can't be perfect but that's normal
ReplyDeleteTotally agree.. Many times also mom's cannot do well. Some mistakes are really common in human being. Many times we need help, guidance and support. Really such events are very important. 👏
ReplyDeleteOh wow! You got the chance to be a part of this campaign. This is true that I am a mom and I don't know all. We are also learning day by day as parenting is also changing day by day. I can relate at the time when my first baby was born, I faced so many challenges.
ReplyDeleteAs a mom unconsciously we are burdened with expectations of superhuman knowing about everything. Good to see the initiative will clear out a misconception
ReplyDeleteThis campaign has truly touched my heart, thank God someone finally accepted mothers to be normal human beings too
ReplyDeleteI really feel proud to be a part of this beautiful initiative by ALL OUT and yes I too firmly believe that Mujhe sab nahi pata!!
ReplyDeleteI love this initiative by ALL OUT. So much pressure on moms to be perfect and be happy all the time. This really looks like an amazing event where every mom would have felt validated!
ReplyDeleteOh, i totally understand but sadly my family has not yet understand all these!!
ReplyDeleteI totally relate to your experience my son also did not talk much till 2 and i was super guilty about not being able to assit him morethan i was with speech development. Fantastic such an awesome.campaign
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to let mothera finally accept without guilt that they cannot know it all. Must've been a good event!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a nice initiative by All out. All moms are expected to know everything and often they are held responsible for the slightest thing that happens to a kid! Some people also need toc hange their mentality.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great initiative to be very honest. We moms are also human beings and we don't know everything.
ReplyDeleteWe are human not machines,so how can we know all. Kudos to the organiser who has come up with such amazing concept.
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There is no shame at all in accepting that us mothers don't know it all. We are human too and to err is human.
ReplyDelete