22/08/2026
When ever I see an opportunity to talk about motherhood I jump at the chance!
So when Bobbi Barrington-Inspirational Speaker shared this months Story Jam topic “please don’t tell my mum!” I was there!
I shared a story about my grandfather when he was between 7 and 10 (I am a bit hazy on the details) growing up in WWII in Germany. He was the eldest of three boys and responsible for taking care of them along side his mother, my great grandmother.
My great grandmother was around 5ft tall and ruled with an iron fist! She was the only woman in her village not to have been r***d by the Russian soldiers that had taken over the village, because she had made a deal with them to be there cook, and they honoured this agreement!
So when my grandfather, a young boy, was shot in the upper thigh he chose not to tell his mum! We don’t know for sure what motivated him not to, perhaps fear of being disciplined physically, or disappointing her for putting himself in harms way?
What ever the motivation it meant that he went without nurture, support and proper care while healing.
I began to wonder about my children and the secrets they have kept from me, and why?
Some I would have no need to know but what about the other ones?
The ones that felt heavy, lonely to be in?
How had my expectations of them prevented them from sharing these with me and what was the emotional cost to them?
Our children should be free to express and share without fear of judgment what they have experienced. To receive compassion and support.
To be loved unconditionally.
My grandfather revered his mother but he also feared her!
What about your children?
Do they revere you?
Fear you?
Or both?
How does this sit with you?
What might need to change in the way you mother?
