True Measure of a Mom: Healthy and Secure Children

A Mother's Harshest Critic is Often Herself

HARRISBURG, Pa. - As families across the state prepare to celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday, a reminder for mothers to not judge themselves so harshly. 

Family therapist Karen Walant says while many strive for the ideal of the so-called super mom - perfect in every way - there is no such thing as just right.

"There's, I like to call, small victories," she points out. "There's just each individual moment and, 'How did that interaction go?'

"And then the next interaction and then the next - always building and building, and building onto the basic bond.

"You know, there is no such thing as perfection. We're all in a process. We're all learning."

Walant stresses mothers should take time out for some self-care on a regular basis and they need to know that it's okay to reach out when they need help.

She adds the better measure of a mother is raising children who are healthy, content and secure, so they can reach their own potential in life.

"What I really want to stress is that it's a lifetime relationship, filled with hopefully security so that our children no matter what age they are - can always feel they can involve us in their lives, can be engaged with us and feel supported by us," she says.

In addition to working with families, Walant serves on the board of Attachment Parenting International.

Tom Joseph