Manifesto

Every day mothers are sold the line that they are at their best when their homes are immaculate, when their purses are trendy, and when their children are color-coordinated. This is, in a word, bogus. At the risk of sounding a bit like a summer camp counselor mid “kumbayah,” we are at our best when we teach our children, when we have fun with our children, when we strengthen our children. They (and most of us for that matter) don’t need better things. Children need to feel loved and valued. Children need better quality time. Children need that unique boost in self-esteem that comes from engaging with the world. For decades mothers have been pushed to do more, to buy more. To drive around more and schedule more. It’s been a doozie of a year for many families; loads of perfectly good money, jobs, and sleep lost without a trace. But hopefully a consolation will be the simple treasures unearthed under stuff and schedule. Learn, serve, play. A mother is the fiercest kind of steward–we battle for our children. Let’s be smarter. You know what’s good, what’s fun, what’s meaningful. You’ve been there, you’ve done that, and it either worked for your family or it didn’t. Mamiga bypasses the fluff to get and give the good stuff: small and large, tried and true ways to help bring balance to your family. Learning lends knowledge; playing lends joy; service lends strength. It’s time for us to help each other. Because every mama needs a friend.