The Wild Mother

I'm sitting here at the college down the road from us, reading a book while my oldest son attends a free art class taught by college students.

My other two boys are at home, just about five blocks away, with a house phone to call me if needed. They are happily engaged in their own activities together.

This moment has me reflecting on how astonishing it is that my children, now ages 12, 10, and 8, have blossomed into such independent beings. They feel comfortable exploring the world on their own, and this independence has not come from being pushed or rushed into it. Instead, it has emerged naturally, at their own pace.

You see, I was a very attached mother when they were little. I breastfed long-term with all three of them—my middle son nursed to sleep until he was four. We bed-shared until they decided they wanted to sleep separately. Even now, they still enjoy laying near me as they drift off to sleep. I never engaged in any form of sleep training, daycare, or public schooling.

In those early years, I faced constant warnings. People told me I was coddling them, that they would sleep with me forever, and that they would never learn to be independent.

To that, I say: bullshit!

Independence is not learned by pushing children away or forcing them into situations they are not developmentally ready for. What many perceive as "independence" is often a child shutting down their emotional and survival mechanisms to adapt to adult expectations. This is not appropriate parenting.

The Essence of Parenting

Parenting is not about molding your child to fit your lifestyle. It’s about allowing them to blend into your world while holding them through it. We should never push them away or emotionally shut them out.

Emotional maturity and organic independence stem from a balanced root chakra. This chakra is the foundation of our being, located at the base of our body. It is the space where we feel safety, security, and belonging in the world.

When parents push their children too far, this foundational chakra is not properly developed. As a result, a child may grow up feeling unbalanced and may actually need to reach for their parents more because they never established that strong foundational connection.

The Power of Connection

It may seem counterintuitive, but the more we hold our children close, comfort them, and provide safety and love, the more secure they feel. They come to trust that we, as their caregivers, will always be there for them. This security allows them to venture out into the world with confidence, knowing we are their safe harbor.

As I sit here, I see how the way I nurtured my children as babies and toddlers has paid off. This realization comes even after facing criticism from family and partners about how my instincts guided me in raising them.

The Call of Wildly Awakened Motherhood

This journey is at the core of Wildly Awakened Motherhood—reclaiming our village! It is the reason I am passionate about creating a supportive space and a career dedicated to helping women activate and awaken their own instincts as mothers.

The wild is calling you! Will you answer?

💜🖤

Jessica Olson

Wild Motherhood Mentor

Embracing Your Journey

As we navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood, let’s remember to honor our instincts. Each of us has a unique path, and it’s vital to trust ourselves.

The Importance of Community

In our journey, community plays a crucial role. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals can provide support and encouragement. We can share experiences, wisdom, and love, creating a nurturing environment for ourselves and our children.

Holistic Practices for Healing

Incorporating holistic practices into our lives can foster deep healing and transformation. Whether it’s through meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature, these practices can help us reconnect with our inner wisdom.

The Dance of Motherhood

Motherhood is a dance—a rhythm of nurturing, guiding, and letting go. It’s about finding balance between holding our children close and allowing them the freedom to explore.

Trusting Your Instincts

Trusting our instincts is essential. When we listen to our inner voice, we can navigate the complexities of motherhood with grace and confidence.

As we embrace our journeys, let’s remember that we are not alone. Together, we can create a supportive community that honors our experiences and celebrates our growth.

Let the wild call you, and may you always answer with love and courage.