God's perspective on motherhood Part 3

God’s perspective on motherhood Part 3

Session 7 | Episode 3

Mother’s involvement outside the home

In session 3 we Consider mother’s involvement outside the home

Building a home also requires that a couple depends upon the wisdom of God.

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."

Proverbs 24:3, 4

A couple should prayerfully consider, then agree upon their motives and priorities, before mom becomes involved in too many activities outside the home. Questions to consider include:

Will additional activities outside the home compete with the child’s need for nurturing and care?
Will her husband receive the love and support he needs to succeed?
Is she emphasising personal fulfilment through a career or outside activities instead of through her relationship with God and her family?
If the activity provides income, is the extra income to meet essential needs or desired wants?

Mom’s activities outside the home

There are times in a family when mom’s activities outside the home may be more appropriate and suitable than other times.

Before there are children in the home.
If there are Financial hardships due to circumstances beyond control OR
After children have left home (empty nest)

There are times when a family’s needs could be undetermined by mom’s distraction with too many outside activities. This can be, when there are young children in the home, during teenage years of the children and when the husband does not get the support he needs.

The attitude a couple has about mom’s importance in the family will directly influence how the children value their mom and her role.

Having said all that, we should not be silent about working mothers. The most ideal situation would be for women to consider taking a break during child birth years and during the teen ages of the children. These are crucial years for bringing up children and supporting them. We realise however, that working mothers engage the help of domestic workers and institutions like pre-schools and kindergartens.

In this case mother should make up for time lost during weekends and in the evenings. Mother should develop a relationship with her children such that they will discuss matters openly so that she picks up quickly where her children are being taught differently and correct that as soon as possible

Are your activities reasonably balanced?

Presented by

Mpho Khauoe

Mpho Khauoe is a teacher, community development practitioner, and trainer in Entrepreneurship and other topics of interest. She has been running a life coaching practice (with specific interest in marriage and family life) for more than 20 years.

She married Jonas Khauoe who is known for his involvement with Campus Crusade for Christ SA (CCCSA) and its community development wing, Global Aid Network (GAiN) for many years. Mpho and Jonas accepted the Lord in 1978 and 1957 respectively. Between them they have raised seven adult children. Mpho began a relationship with CCC in 1981 at the University of Swaziland where she was discipled by the CCC staff.

The Khauoes live in Pretoria and continue to coach couples and families. Mpho is a newly appointed member of the GAiN board in South Africa.