Be Careful What You Say to a Mother
"Unfit mother."
"You have too many kids."
"Just grow up and be a mum."
"I wouldn't want you
to be my mum."
"How can I expect you
to love me?
You can't even love
your own daughter."
Identity.
Identity.
Identity.
"So you're the one
being irresponsible—
not using contraception."
"You don't deserve
to be a mother."
"Mum, Dad—
I'm pregnant."
"You're joking."
"Mum—
I'm so happy."
"I've always wanted
seven children."
"Well, now you have
to raise them."
You tried
to break me down
with your words—
dismantle me,
fit me into
a neat little package
so I would be
easier to understand.
So I would be
more like you.
More quiet.
More sensible.
More acceptable.
More…
But you never stopped
to ask me why.
Why did I want
to be a mother
so badly?
Why was it
my dream?
Why did having seven
make me so happy?
You never took
the time
to sit with me
and ask
why.
Instead
you looked
and criticised.
And my identity
fell to pieces.
From
Mother:
Kind.
Sweet.
Gentle.
Patient.
To
Overwhelmed.
Hurt.
Frustrated.
Angry.
Broken.
Identity shattered.
So…
You win.
I have no strength left.
No confidence left.
I'm no good at this.
I failed.
You were right.
I should never have
been a mum.
Identity.
Identity.
Identity.
I'll go away now
like you asked.
But please be careful
what you say
to the next mum.
She just wants
one thing:
to raise her children
in love and peace.
Copyright © Roslyn Williams | Year Posted 2026
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