We all know that a good mother puts her family first. She makes sacrifices for her children without a hint of regret for what she gives up. She is saintly and holy and a perfect martyr for the cause, because the cause is so righteous. But what is this sacrifice costing us?

I was thinking about the image we have of what a good mother is when I saw a post from a male relative of mine on facebook wishing his mother a happy birthday. He wrote a beautiful tribute to her which included his comments that she is the best mother in the world because ‘she always puts everyone else first and never thinks of herself.’

I got an instant kick to my gut, realizing what a heavy load that is to bear. But what really surprised me were the comments. Not one person mentioned that constantly putting others first and never thinking of yourself might not be the healthiest way to live your life. They all applauded his beautiful tribute and reinforced his image of how a good mother behaves.

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