"One generation plants the trees; another gets the shade."-Chinese Proverb

Does anything summarize the sacrifices of parenthood better than this Chinese proverb? Parents go through a great deal to give their children the best and most secure life possible, and they do it all without ever asking for acknowledgment of their efforts. Well, OK, once in a while, when their patience is REALLY being tested, parents may gently remind their children what they do for them. But the vast majority of the time, the reward is in seeing their kids enjoy the fruits of their labors during a worry-free childhood.

"To understand your parents’ love you must raise children yourself."-Chinese Proverb

Admit it: As a child, you wondered what the big deal was about parenting, especially when Mom and/or Dad were delivering discipline. But as a parent, you understand, all too well, the faith and unlimited, unquestioned love necessary to raise children. How many times does a new mother or father marvel at the challenging and rewarding nature of parenthood-and see his or her own parents nodding in knowing agreement?

"There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it."-Chinese Proverb

Every single mother thinks her newborn is the prettiest baby in the world! And you know what? She’s right. Only a mother can appreciate the unbelievable sensation of pride and love she feels upon holding her child for the first time. As far as a mother is concerned, there is no better or more handsome child in the world than hers-and she understands how every other mother thinks the exact same thing about her baby.

"What the daughter does, the mother did."-Jewish Proverb

While a daughter might always be "Daddy’s little girl," the truth is she will be molded by watching her mother and interacting with her. A mother who nurtures her children and who is the bedrock of a family makes it clear that nothing is more important to her than the happiness of her family. Such a mother is then likely to raise someone who exhibits these very same tendencies as an adult.

"A rich child often sits in a poor mother’s lap."-Danish Proverb

Such words are particularly noteworthy during these trying economic times. After all, haven’t we all marveled at grandparents and elders who grew up during the Great Depression or in the challenging post-World War II years yet always say how happy they were as children and how they never wanted for anything? Love doesn’t cost a thing and will pay many more dividends than any toy or new gadget!

"What the child says, he has heard at home."-African Proverb

This is a reminder that nothing shapes a child like his surroundings. While it is amusing (usually) to imagine a child repeating at school what his parents say at home, the truth is the foundation that is set during the formative years will likely remain in place for the rest of his life. If a child is raised in a home by loving, supportive parents, his chances of enjoying a sturdy and productive adulthood are greatly enhanced.

"The greater love is a mother’s; then comes a dog’s; then a sweetheart’s."-Polish Proverb

If this wasn’t true, then the divorce rate would be much lower! And sure, a dog is an incredibly loyal companion, but it knows nothing of the rigors of childbirth! As wonderful as marriage is, and as much fun as it is to own a dog, motherhood introduces a woman to a love she never knew possible and to the unyielding and unwavering support she will forever offer her child.

This month we’re starting a "Motherly Proverb" series of posts with proverbs from various worldwide cultures. What are some views on motherhood from other cultures? We’ll shed some light on some interesting, ancient proverbs!

So here’s our first proverb:

"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers."-Jewish Proverb

Sure, children of all ages laugh about how their Moms seem to know what is going on all the time, regardless of whether their kids live in the same house, down the street or halfway around the world. But like every joke, there is more than a kernel of truth to it. Mothers have their finger on the pulse of everything, something a child bemoans in his youth but cherishes more with each passing year.

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• Don’t leave a single inch of your baby exposed: Cover him or her from head to toe in white clothing and a big hat, and put on a pair of 100% UV sunglasses as well.
• Stay out of the sun between 10 am and 3 pm: This is when the sun is at its most powerful. Take walks early in the morning or just before dusk.
• Always have the canopy over the stroller: Even just a little sunlight can burn your infant’s delicate skin.
• Always place your baby under an umbrella when you’re at the beach: Again, you can never have enough protection from the sun.
• Once your child reaches six months of age, put sunscreen on: Make sure it’s not an alcohol-based sunscreen.

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