Despite the list of references at the bottom of this document, the main research I did on this project was first-hand, and a lifetime long. You see, my wonderful mother deserved this piece, and I gave it to her. My teacher (also a mother) wasn't too impressed! :-)

Mothers should be accessible to their children. First of all, in order for a child's emotional needs to be met, he needs a mother who is available. Second, children whose mothers aren't available during childhood carry many different problems into their future. Next, there are no adequate substitutes for mothers. Finally, fathers and mothers play different roles in the rearing of their children.

First of all, in order for a child's emotional needs to be met, he needs a mother who is available. Linda Weber states, "Kids who have great mothers enjoy self-confidence and a sense of direction for their lives." (Linda Weber, p. #7). If a child has a mother who isn't available to him, he lacks direction in life, which often results in unruly behavior at home, at school, and in society. "A child left to himself disgraces his mother." (The Bible, Proverbs 29:15b)

Second, children whose mothers aren't available during childhood carry many different problems into their future. For example, John McCambridge, the son of successful actress Mercedes McCambridge, grew up with a mother who had no time at all for him. Everything seemed to go well, with John attending college and becoming a successful financial broker. Then one day he murdered his wife, his two children, and committed suicide. Later, a note to his mother was found which read, "...You never were there for me. I tried to get your love through academic achievement, gifts, and, finally, enormous personal risk.... Alone!... Alone! Is this clear to you, mom?... There is nothing more to say." (Linda Weber, p. #59-60)

Third, there are no adequate substitutes for mothers. Nannies, nurses, baby-sitters, and child-care providers cannot replace the most important person in a child's life - mom. A child will tend to imitate the person with whom he spends most of his waking hours, whether it be his mother or the person providing the day care. Researchers state that, "The evidence since 1980 indicates that when a baby is placed in substitute care, even good quality care such as nanny care, for twenty or more hours per week during the first year of life, he is at risk psychologically." (Linda Weber, p. #86) Children who are placed in day care tend to have no method of dealing with their anger; instead of discussing their disagreements or walking away, they lash out.

Finally, fathers and mothers play different roles in the rearing of their children. Dr. James Dobson states, "A mother sets the dominant tone for her entire household." (James Dobson, "Wives," p. #163) The Bible says, "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching." (The Bible, Proverbs 1:8) This suggests that a father tells his children what to do, while a mother actually works with her children to help them learn.

In conclusion, Dr. James Dobson sums it up best when he refers to mothers, saying: "There is no more important job in the universe than to raise a child to love God, live productively and serve humanity." (James Dobson, "Questions," p. #5)

Bibliography

Dobson, James. What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1975.

Dobson, James. "Dr. Dobson Answers Your Questions." Focus on the Family Magazine.

New Student Bible (NIV Version). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992.

Weber, Linda. Mom, You're Incredible. Colorado Springs: Focus on the Family Publishing, 1994.