Mothering Matters! by Shelly Locke

     This year on Mother's Day, through a series of real, modern day miracles, I found myself waiting to be introduced at the World Congress of Families in Warsaw Poland, representing all the Mothers of America, in the former Communist Headquarters, addressing world leaders assembled in the effort to protect families. The following information shared in this article is gleaned from three days in attendance at the Congress and is part of a larger presentation entitled:  "Who Needs Mothers? Everyone!"

    The hand that rocks the cradle, truly does rule the world.  The findings from this important meeting bear this out.  I would like to share some of those insights with you.

      First, science has now proven that the interaction between Mothers and their children is critical to actual brain development. Brain development, previously believed to have occurred spontaneously, it is now realized, does not. It is rather, facilitated by Mother-child interaction, through eye to eye gazing, gentle touch and soothing words. It is now known that there is an actual, measurable energy transference from the Mother's brain, through her eyes, into the baby's eyes, "that stimulates the cortico limbic lobes of the brain, responsible for the child's sense of self, their emotional well being and their and their ability to form healthy attachments for the rest of their earthly life."  Mothers in constant contact with their children from birth through age 6 actually determine the development of their child. Scientific research also cited in this report states that this brain growth cannot be achieved by part time caretakers. Mothers are vital in the role of healthy emotional develoment and the impact that has on their child's quality of life.(Research cited by Christine de Vollmer)

     The second report comes from Dr. Mohammadreza Hojat who serves in the Department of Psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University. His research states that "The quality of maternal care, early in a child's life contributes to the development of an emotional regulatory system that exerts substantial influence on a person's physical, mental and social well-being from the cradle to the grave."  He goes on to say, "The physical and emotional presence of the Mother who responds lovingly to her child's needs on demand, lays the foundation for the right conditions for personality development."  The 'right conditions' referred to by Dr. Hojat included "empathy, altruism, prosocial behavior and the enhancement of humanistic feelings".  Lack of Motherly warmth and loving response to needs, results in "aggressiveness, noncompliance, lack of remorse, disruptive outbursts and sociopathic behaviors."  Clearly, the presence of a loving Mother impacts children, homes, communities and the societies in which they live.

     The third impact brought to light at the Congress, was a condition known as the "Baby Deficit Phenomenon" which has caused a sociological state known as "Demographic Winter."  This baby deficit phenomenon is manifesting itself in the fact that women, since the 1960's in all developed nations of the world, have decreased the number of children they are having to the point of societal crisis for several nations of the world. In as few as 10 years, several European nations will require importing immigrants in large numbers to support the discintigrating infrastructure of their countries. There simply are not enough children being born to keep their countries alive.  Soon the strength and brilliance of these once strong nations will dissolve as their cultural traditions, their customs, their language, and their heritage become blurred, then finally disappear as they are forced to give over their identity to foreign influences because of their vulnerability and crumbling foundation.
     A world leader has made this resounding statement regarding this condition and the way, we as Americans can thwart this type of national crisis.
"It has been aptly said, that out of the homes of America will come the future citizens of America. Would you have a strong nation? Then keep your homes pure. Home-building should be the paramount purpose of parents and of the nation.  When family life discintigrates, the foundation and bulwark of the human society is undermined. The safety, the perpetuity of our government depends upon the safety and permenancy of the home.  Herein we get a glimpse of one thing in which this people may be saviors in a way, of this great nation. The home is the place where the perpetuation of the principles of liberty should be given to the children. The real source of security for our nation rests
in well ordered, properly conducted homes."
     This is a very timely message that I will glady share with groups interested in learning more about the critical impact of Mothers and their important role in all societies. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you for your dedication to Motherhood and to your precious families.

Yours in Motherhood,
Shelly Locke