Before my son was born two years ago, I always wondered what his childhood would be like. With my daughter I was a single mom for most of her childhood, and now that I am married I wondered what my son’s life would be like. Co-parenting with someone in the house would be easier (I was sure of that), but, in some ways, a little harder. Let me explain…
As a single mom, my daughter and I were thisclose when she was growing up. We did everything together and I had her all to myself. Knowing that I was the only one she could rely on, I think I overcompensated (or tried to, anyway) with things and experiences that I didn’t want her to miss out on because I felt that coming from a single parent household would leave her feeling deprived of the love that comes from a “normal” upbringing – two parents in the home. Honestly, I probably wore myself out trying to attend as many outings as I possibly could. We vacationed, visited museums, circuses, shows, fairs, parades – basically anything and everything that I heard of we would attend. And I was…exhausted.
Then, 11 years later, with the birth of my son I had to reevaluate how much running around with him I could do. I also wanted him to have those experiences but I realized that I would be sharing him with someone else. Which is a good thing, I know, just a little bit different. Having such a close relationship with my daughter inspired me to strive for the same kind of connection with my son. I want to take him to the same shows, museums, etc. that I experienced with my daughter – only this time around I’d have someone else at my side, loving him and gaining the same joy in those experiences as I did.
There are many things/people/experiences that inspire us to be better mothers everyday. Johnson & Johnson and its partners support global motherhood with programs that meet the needs of moms and babies in the U.S. and around the world.
For many years, Johnson & Johnson has worked with its partners to care for the well-being of mothers and children around the world. It is estimated that Johnson & Johnson and its partners touch more than one billion people’s lives each day through health care products, services and various programs. At this year’s LATISM 2012 conference, October 25th – 27th in Houston, TX, Johnson & Johnson will be showcasing some of these initiatives under the theme “global motherhood.” I love that Johnson & Johnson, a brand I trust, wants to inspire mothers to help other mothers by raising awareness about important issues and some of the solutions that make a difference. If you plan to be at the LATISM conference, make sure you visit the Johnson & Johnson’s suite at Arboretum II to talk with Johnson & Johnson and its partners about the work they do and learn more about their initiatives.
Can’t attend the conference? You can still get involved in raising awareness about global motherhood by using social networks for social good. Johnson & Johnson’s website has all the information on the different programs and initiatives they support. My favorite? The Safe Kids Worldwide program that aims to prevent unintentional childhood injury, a leading cause of death and disability for children ages 14 and under.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson’s #InspireCare social media campaign and Latina Bloggers Connect. However, all thoughts, stories and ideas shared here are 100% my own. I support Johnson & Johnson’s mission and am inspired to do more for the global community of motherhood.
[...] Comments 0 Before my son was born two years ago, I always wondered what his childhood would be like. With my daughter I was a single mom for most of her childhood, and now that I am married I wondered what my son’s life would be like. Co-parenting with someone in …read more [...]