We all have it. That fierce protectiveness of our child – that don’t-touch/talk to-my-baby-that-way-or-I’ll-have-your-guts-for-garters type of feeling. If you haven’t experienced this yet – you will. It’s primal, instinctual and surprisingly forceful. I remember feeling this when a woman in a museum spoke harshly to my 2 year-old son, telling him to “Be Quiet!”. My hackles rose, and I smacked her across the face over her righteousness and intolerance of a toddler’s inability to whisper in appropriate places. Of course, wanting to be a role model to my son (and a mature adult), I didn’t do this last part, but I did feel great indignation. I was shocked at how quickly I responded with such aggression – if only in my head.
What is it about us Moms that leads us to such heights of passion for our babies? Is it hormones? Is it a need to protect our offspring from impending danger? Yes and yes. Of course, it makes sense that having carried these beings for three trimesters, we would want to keep them safe from harm – whatever form that comes in – a dragon lady with no grandkids to keep her real, or a definite threat, like fire or a stranger.
We are complex creatures, and when we become mothers, these complexities sometimes overwhelm us. We need to process them in a way that is safe, and also so we know they are “normal”. We need to talk with other mothers to find out we are not alone, and not going crazy.
Believe me, you’re not.