Moms Around the World

Having you been living under a rock lately? For me it is not so much a rock as it is poopy diapers, laundry and work. But for other Moms living under a rock is actually a part of daily life. From Ethiopian and Scottish Mothers living in the Highlands to Moms in the Swiss Alps and even Rocky Mountain Moms here in the U.S. or Canada they will raise their children living under or among the rocks.

For many of these Moms and others the hot topics of the day are more than wondering about the pomp and circumstance of William and Kate’s big day and if Charlie Sheen is “Winning” today it is about survival. What will my children eat today and will they be safe? In places like Sierra Leone these are the only topics that consume many mothers.

The worldwide experience of mothers can vary from region to region. In Sweden mothers can often get a year of paid maternity leave. And in other countries like the U.S. women can receive up to 12 weeks of maternity leave but are not paid during that time. In Norway families with young children can receive $100 a month for a nanny from the government. And if child care arrangements fall through women can often bring their children to work.

One of my fellow Lifetime Moms Arianne Segerman is expecting! I am so excited about seeing her in a few weeks and hugging her and touching her belly. Here in the U.S. touching a pregnant woman’s belly is often fodder for an etiquette debate. Is it okay or not? But in other cultures it is actually a simple no-no deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs like in Cuba or Panama where women shun strangers or non-family members touching their pregnant belly.

Although the experiences are often different the hopes of mothers from health, happiness, safety, love, equality and opportunity for their children seem to be universal. It would take me a lifetime to learn about the motherhood experience everywhere and that’s where you come in.

Share what it’s like to raise children where you live!