Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Nurturers
Who do we stereotypically cast in the role of nurturer? Often women are thought of as the nurturer in our lives beginning with our mothers then our grandmothers, aunts and sisters. Those who nurture us play an important place in our development from childhood into adulthood. As babies our needs are met through nourishment, gentle touches and soft loving voices. Our sense of self and independence is nurtured through the passing of knowledge from parent to child. In the past men were cast in a different role and were not always thought of as having gentle and loving ways. Instead they were the protectors, providers and stern disciplinarians. In today’s world the role of nurture is no longer strictly a female one. To help the family finances mothers often work outside the home and are sometimes the principal financial provider for the family. Fathers have stepped into the role of nurturer and sometimes are the caregiver for the children while the mother works. Fathers often take an active part in the role of nurturing; they play with their children, cuddle them and show them the softer side that in the past have been hidden from view. In this way children learn that both men and women are capable of nurturing and see the balance between the two. Please feel free to share, if you are so inspired. Picture taken by TC