In this episode, Keturah Stoltenberg reflects on the emotional journey of parents, particularly mothers, as their children start school. She discusses the mixed feelings of pride, relief, and sadness that accompany this milestone, emphasiSing the often-overlooked emotional transition that mothers experience, known as matrescence. This process involves a continuous evolution of identity as mothers navigate their changing roles alongside their children's growth.

Takeaways

• Starting school is a significant milestone for both children and parents.
• Mothers experience a range of emotions during this transition.
• Matrescence is an ongoing process of becoming a mother.
• The focus often remains on the child's experience, neglecting the mother's feelings.
• Mothers may feel a sense of loss as their children gain independence.
• Matrescence involves identity shifts and self-discovery.
• Every milestone in a child's life marks a transformation for the mother.
• It's valid to feel pride, relief, sadness, and grief during transitions.
• Mothers and children grow and shift together through these experiences.
• Acknowledging the mother's journey is essential in the parenting narrative.