Why Mother’s Day in Norway should be a big deal.

No, I don’t mean you should run to the mall or internett and buy presents. Recognizing and paying a tribute to moms have nothing to do with sales and consumerism.

I’d like the opportunity to cherish all moms in the world. I see that in Norway, Mother’s Day isn’t as strong as in Brazil, for example. In Brazil, Mother’s Day is the second most celebrated date, after Christmas. Children make gifts at kindergarten and school (can be a box, a drawing or a card), families go to restaurants so that mothers don’t have to cook that day. And yes, dads usually buy gifts for their wives. But that’s not the most important for us moms: it is the recognition, the love and care that count.

I know that Norway is a country that values equality. I admire that enormously. What I mean is that both mothers and fathers should be cherished on their special days. In Norway, moms and dads do everything themselves: taking to school, making food, bathing, cutting nails, educating, etc.

Mothers have a triple journey and I admire them so much because I was raised with house help. I had to adapt to a new life here in Norway. I see the daily routine from another point of view. We cook, clean, wash, hang, shop, work and still have endless unconditional love for our children. We spend time with them and want the best for them.

My special applause goes to immigrant mothers in Norway. Every mother knows how helpful it is to have our mothers and family around us when we have babies and small children. Immigrant mothers who raise their children in another country, coping with a new life and system, without their support network, are super heroes to me.

As a mother myself, I think we have the most amazing job ever! Nurturing another human being inside our belly is for most of us magical, a miracle. Giving birth is a unique experience that equals us to lionesses. (Believe me, I made sounds while giving birth that I never had and never will again. I felt like I was part of the jungle). Then all the hormones dancing funk inside our bodies… (how can we survive that?) That cute tiny little human being who doesn’t stop crying until you give him the breast. And yes, our children make us unbelievably happy.

It’s important to mention the adoptive mothers. As wonderful as the biological ones if not more. They choose to love unconditionally and take the whole package. All my applause to you.

Our modern society demands that a mother should do this, do that, dedicate to their children without making mistakes or complaining. Even women criticize other women, can you believe it? If you didn’t give birth naturally or couldn’t breastfeed, you’re not a good mother. It’s prohibited to speak loudly to your child at the supermarket, it’s even worse if you don’t stop your child from making a mess there. It’s a sin to give them i pads at a restaurant, even if it’s the first time in a year. What do you know about that family? How can you judge? Some friends of mine have been lectured by strangers on the streets. Who do they think they are? Perfect? God? God doesn’t judge. By the way, what is perfection? There are so many demands and rules against mothers that I think we moms should say together: Stop.

Maternity changes our lives forever. Yes, we deserve your drawing and breakfast in bed once a year, a good hug and to hear: Mommy, I love you. Then you make our Mother’s day a wonderful day.

This post is dedicated to my mother. All my admiration and devotion to you, mom, who’s thought me how to be a good mother and values like resilience, honesty, good sense of humor, creativity, eagerness to learn and improve. Thanks for being always there for me. I love you to the moon and back.