Dear Mothers!

Thank you for the amazing work you do in your jobs as mothers. I know you don’t always feel like the mother you wish you could be, but please remember you are way better than you think you are. We all have good days and bad days, and you know the same is true for your children.

I would like to share with you my thoughts about why I think you are incredible. I am sure you cannot even count the number of sleepless nights you have had since you knew you were pregnant with your first child. I think they likely happened when doing night infant feedings and pacing the floor with an uncomfortable baby. Then there were the toddlers who were afraid of the dark, the preschool children who had nightmares, and teenagers arriving home after curfew. Most likely you were up pacing or tossing and turning until they were safely home. Despite having almost no sleep you were up the next morning and trying your best to attend to the multiple jobs you have!   I know you have many worries. Everyone’s worries are different. Some are big and some are small, and the list can be VERY long.  The long list of worries include are they happy, safe, healthy? Do they have friends and are they learning the best way they can? Can I help them when they are angry, sad, or worried? I am sure each of you can add more, and I hope you know you are not alone in your worries.

You have helped to build your child’s self-esteem, capacity to express feelings, make and keep friends, be kind, welcome challenges, talk to you (sometimes), and pursue their interests. From the moment your babies were born you soothed them and delighted in them helping them trust and know they were your best beloved. Remember nobody is perfect. We all are doing the best we can.

Enjoy your special day. You deserve it!

-Nancy Close, PhD, Yale Child Studies Center