It’s one of those things that are inevitable when you become a mum. You know what I’m talking about.
The Mama Bear instincts surface and beyond nurturing, it’s about fierce protection and constant worry for your baby cubs.
When they were around 6 months old, I remember taking the twinlets for a walk in their pram around the neighbourhood. A massive construction truck was blocking the footpath and my only alternative was to walk around it, edging my stroller into (what I felt) a dangerously busy roundabout.
Fully aware that I was helplessly standing there, none of the workers moved a budge. Instead, some of them gave me the intimidating head to toe stare, only to walk away. They didn’t want to be bothered by some cranky mum.
It didn’t take long to get riled up from the obvious brush off.
“Oi !!!! Getcha truck outta the way !!!” I yelled out.
“Can’t you go out on the road ???” An arrogant punk shouted.
“What? And have my 6 month twins get runned over ???” I screamed back.
The sides of my temples were pumping furiously.
Someone finally came out to help. With my scary devil snake eyes fixed on his every step, he really didn’t have a choice.
There was no compromising. No matter what. Keeping my boys completely away from a main road – even for a split second to get around a stupid truck – was a no-brainer.
I guess that was one of the first of now many.
The frustration was the lack of understanding for the safety and well-being of my children. That my better judgement as a mother was almost dismissed.
Sure, they needed to get on with their jobs. But hey, so did I !
We are guided by what our gut tells us; we just know when to take immediate action.
“Today, Tomorrow, Life” is an online study that Virgin Money have specifically created for mums, inviting us to share our views and opinions.
Just click here for a chance to win some great prizes, including $4,000 in cash and a $1,000 voucher for Baby Warehouse.
You don’t even have to be a mummy blogger to participate! Just a mum with a voice (Even if it’s one that barks at innocent construction workers).
At times, my actions may prove me to be an uptight, highly-strung mum. And maybe, the decisions I make for my family may not make sense to others. But their security and protection is always at the forefront. That’s a no-brainer.
Update 25/06/2012
The results from the survey have been released with the following key findings:
• More than half of mums feel that their contribution is not widely recognised within Australian
society today.
• 59% of Aussie mums aren’t impressed with coverage of celebrity mums.
• More than 65% of mums involved in the study were concerned about the big issues of economic
security, social disruption, terrorism and conflict.
• A very large portion of Aussie families do not have adequate life insurance. The research revealed
32% of parents do not have life insurance for their family, and another 8% don’t know if they’re
covered.
Please click here for the full media press release.
Disclaimer: No monetary payment was made for this post, however, a $100 Westfield voucher was provided. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Rachel from Redcliffe Style says
I am a mama bear too. There are things I would put up with if it was just me but are totally unacceptable if I have my girls with me. I love that children can bring out our strength. I am going to check out the virgin promotion. Thanks for sharing it. Rachel x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style recently posted..Massage for your Soul – and a giveaway valued at $110!!
mamagrace71 says
Yeah, it really took me by surprise how strong-willed I became. And just that whole, “I ain’t gonna take any crap !!!” 🙂
Good luck with the survey !
Benjamin says
My sister gets that way too. There was a time she was mad at me for leaving her kids unsupervised when she was busy cooking for Thanksgiving Dinner. In my opinion, it is just the instinct that goes behind that.
Benjamin recently posted..the best east coast swing dvd
mamagrace71 says
Yes, instinct is what it is. Strong and powerful instincts.
Carli @ Tiny Savages says
I dread that feeling, it’s so primal and almost uncontrollable at times isn’t it? Thanks for sharing the link 🙂
Carli @ Tiny Savages recently posted..pipi e patati
mamagrace71 says
Yes, yes ! Almost uncontrollable ! I don’t think I’ve ever lost it that quickly with such intensity ! Good luck on the survey ! 🙂
Jess says
It’s bizarre isn’t it? That mumma bear thing comes rising up out of nowhere, and you just go with it. So scary and powerful and beautiful all at once.
Thanks for linking today Grace. So excited to have you back! Xxx
mamagrace71 says
It is beautiful, isn’t it, Jess ? I remember a friend asking me if I had softened up now I had kids. If only he was there to see my little construction truck episode 🙂
So happy to be linking back up again !!! xxx
kirri says
There is only one thing in the world that can take me from zen calm to seeing red in 30 seconds or less and thats when I believe that my babies are in danger. Sometimes its a little scary!
kirri recently posted..Wishes for my birthday girls
mamagrace71 says
Yes ! And you are the most zen of mamas I know !!! Scary but you know, hey…they’re your babies.
Janet says
We were on a cruise in January & asked Miss 15 to mind our table (which had a nice view) while we went to the buffet. An old man came and said basically kicked her out even though she tried to explain that she was holding the table for her family. We found a table nearby and didn’t say anything (we were going to approach him as we were leaving and tell him that what he’d done was pretty rude) … BUT then I heard him complaining about “teenagers today” and specifically MY DAUGHTER hogging the best table in the restaurant. WELL. That was it! The red mist descended and leaning over I said in a loud voice, “EXCUSE ME sir. That was not just ‘some teenager’, that was MY DAUGHTER and she was minding the table for us. SO DON’T JUDGE ALL YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE BAD ACTIONS OF A FEW!”. Grrrrrr. I was so angry.
Mind you, for the rest of the cruise I was so embarrassed I avoided that man & his wife if I saw them around at all!
Janet recently posted..Not Exactly Parent of the Year …
mamagrace71 says
Ooooh, that would totally make me see red ! I really can’t stand it when people make such sweeping general judgements like that. But it’s only right that you stand your ground !
Deb @ Bright & Precious says
Definitely, Grace. I am a mama bear too. It comes out of a place you never knew existed, doesn’t it? I feel like I’m on alert for the safety 24/7 – I wonder if that will ever end?!
Deb @ Bright & Precious recently posted..Be Alive
mamagrace71 says
Nope. It will never end. We’re in for the long haul, Deb 🙂
Daisy says
Oh good on you! Go Grace Mama Bear! Oooh, I like the promo!
Daisy recently posted..How NOT to get to Centennial Park, Sydney.
mamagrace71 says
Ha ! Did I tell off those jokers ! Hope you enter the survey, Daisy! Some great prizes there 🙂
Bridget says
Dude. You just made a hundred bucks! Also, I love reading your Aussie accent. Seriously..Skyping someday soon. I”m sure I’m going to be horribly depressed when Dal leaves again. Wine and skyping? Yes…plan, we need a plan…
Also, I would have yelled the same way-only in boring American English:)
Bridget recently posted..The Real R & R
mamagrace71 says
OMG! You’re BACK, baby!!! I’ve missed you! We are so Skyping. Seriously. I’m there for ya *said in thick, strong Aussie accent*
Love you to the moon and back, B x
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right says
Hey Grace, this is my first time at your site! FYBF brought me here. I totally relate to your post. I’m a very non-confrontational person, and I’m pretty sure the rare times I’ve got my hackles up have been about protecting my kids 🙂
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..What do The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and One Direction have in common?
mamagrace71 says
Hey Rachel,
I’m not big on confrontation either. But when it comes to the twinlets…oh my, watch out!
There’s nothing stopping me!
Thanks so much for dropping by! Look forward to getting to know you 🙂
Jayne says
I am definitely a mama bear, which turns me into a bit of a potty mouth too 😉
Jayne recently posted..Damn Unpretty
mamagrace71 says
Yeah, the little dialogue I wrote on the blog ? That was the censored version 🙂 I reckon the potty mouth is totally allowed in instances like these 🙂
Mum's the Word says
I am a mumma tiger.. I will do anything to protect my children! You sound just like me with your “scary devil snake eyes” hahaha!! men quiver in fear of woman like us and so they should!!!
Mum’s the Word recently posted..Heating Things Up in the Kitchen~ Easy Beef Stroganoff
mamagrace71 says
Hell yes, men should quiver around us ! I didn’t care how big and burly they were. That wasn’t going to stop me from giving them a piece of my mind…growl ! 🙂
Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky says
The Mama Bear instinct is a pretty powerful one. I’ve definitely felt my power at times, but it hasn’t yet had to be unleashed to full capacity. Watch out if it does!
Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky recently posted..Opportunity Knocks
mamagrace71 says
Oh yes, watch out! You’ll definitely know when you’ve hit full capacity ! 🙂
Cup and Saucer - Karen says
being a Mum definitely has empowered me to voice my views and strengthen my possessive growl if I feel danger approaching. Even if this is to set an example and for my kids to believe their true worth, that I will go in and bat for them at all costs.
Loving your blog!
Finlee and Me Baby Products says
I am not a mama bear I am a mama freaking tiger, be good to my kids or I will be ruthless!
Super Busy Mum {Debs} says
A Mothers protective instinct is primal and should not be missed with. Great post & new following from the #FlogYoBlogFriday
Super Busy Mum {Debs} recently posted..An Interview with my kids…