[post your answer below]

This year's question was "What do you wish you knew before you became a Mother?" This question helped to create The Mothering Heights Manual for Motherhood Volume 1: What we wish we knew before becoming a short order cook, shuttle driver, laundress Mother. Mothering Heights Press is almost half-way to recoup the costs of the book and I am feeling optomistic that there can be a Volume 2!

What do you think the question should be for next year's contest? What would you like to write about? What would like to read about?

Please post your question below by selecting the COMMENT link. The winner will receive some fabulous gifts including, of course, a Mothering Heights Tiara and large box of chocolates. Write on, sisters! 

Comments

[Chick]

If you knew then, what you knew now, would you do it all over again?

Or,

What would you change about being a mother?

[Judy]

What about a question relating to an obstacle you found in parenting and how you worked it out or how it resolved. (or what you learned from it). It could be anything from your child's fall/accident to the death of a child. They dont all have to be depressing, just realistic things that happen to our kids when we thought we were paying attention and in control. I know I've had several experiences that I've learned a lot from. (mainly how to stay calm and appreciate what's important.)
Whaddaya think?

[Donna Hilbert]

I am not sure how to phrase it as a question, but I would like to see the subject of mothering one's parents addressed. Whether it is because they are elderly, ill. or just needy, I think it is a challenge that many mother's face while raising their own kids.

[dorit]

How one's mother has/does influence her daughter's mothering.

[uberchik]

The Joys and Sorrows of the Voyage to Motherhood.

i.e.
"after the 4th Clear Blue easy test, I guess I was positive that I was pregnant. I reached for my cigarettes. I needed one NOW more than ever before. My eyes narrowed on the fix and then I crushed the box and tossed it into the pail. I showered, dressed and headed for Grand Central Station to grab my daily toasted bran muffin with butter and coffee at Zabar's.

I always sat in the first seat left hand side in the first car. I had to have the front and side view. Training it to work, I thought about how to tell Bob I was pregnant...especially since we were separated..."



Some of these stories could be very telling. Were you cut out of your parent's will? Were they jumping for joy? Did you eat everything that was not nailed down?


...and for me a shorter word count. I get lost in lengthy tales.


-

[DSulli]

I think it would be great for women to share what they see is their biggest accomplishment as a mom. I would almost call it a "strongest mommy moment" Parenthood forces most of us to work harder, and possibley be more emotionally stronger than perhaps we thought we ever could be. What parenting situation do you think was you at your best????

[DSulli]

OK, and one other thought.... I loved the "Why I hate my Husband" entry in this years contest. My girlfriends and I always laugh at how much dumber and incapable our husbands become as each chid is born (and after four kids, my friend Kellys husand is forever known as Daddy Dumb-Ass!) .....Maybe some kind of question that explores the relationship between husband and wife and how it is affected and hopefully strenghtend with each child that you bring into the world together.

[DSulli]

OK, OK, my last one for sure.. but the Celtics just tied the game!!! And I have had a large glass of wine... so I thought I would share my last one.... " What was the parenting moment that made you realize that YOU REALLY ARE TURNING INTO YOUR MOTHER?!?!

[uberchik]

My apologies from the deepest...I am withdrawing my suggestion because of another opportunity for it. I recall that your criteria is that it not be used elsewhere.

I look forward to MH manual Pt.2!

UBERCHIK

[Diana]

Baby Bliss At Its Best! Why you love being the mother of your children and why it is all worthwhile? Stretchmarks, Contractions, C-Sections, Epidurals,Tantrums, Etc...

[Di]

How about If Moms Ruled the country, world, UNIVERSE." How would things be different--Would the UN sponsor international lessons on sharing and summits on gum removal from hair? Would the term "perfect family" be outlawed? Would we finally have world peace and make decisions that would best serve our children's children or would that "Super Mom" from the playgroup--you know the one I mean--attempt to become dictator.

[KHH]

Suggestion for Vol #2: There are many moments when I want to stop time and capture everything happening--at that very instant-- with my children.

For Manual two-- how about writers/mothers/grandmothers/fathers... take a deeper look at a moment and give others a glimpse of your worlds...whether it is a funny moment, sad, silly... let Manual Two be a chance to share a vignette with each other and eventually our children...

[Juliann]

What do you hope your children will learn from you?

[pajama mamma]

Supermom is dead and I am in the drivers seat.

[Fort Maker]

I love to read about storys and laugh until my cheeks hurt. What about a mother's favorite funny story. Most embarrising, something the child did or said in private...But cute and funny. I think we need to read more positve post on the web...Being a mom is GREAT!