By- Sri Shamicsha M (Research Scholar) & Dr. Dhamodharan M (Assistant Professor)
Department of Psychology, Easwari School of Liberal Arts, SRM University AP
The most powerful word, and we all get emotionally attached since our birth, isthe word “mother”. Who brought us into this world with all their bravery, love, and strength. Mother’s Day, which is observed on May 10th, 2026, with a theme “a steward that shapes generation,” meaning that they are our guiding lights and have raised us with good values. Mother’s Day is typically not a one-day celebration; rather, it should be observed throughout our lives. They not only give birth to children but also pass on their character and responsibilities to the next generation. We have all tended to think of mother figures as society told us to perceive them. Do we truly pay attention to mothers who were not biological mothers but had maternal qualities? Do we fail to acknowledge and celebrate the challenges they face? These individuals include adoptive mothers, caregivers, grandparents, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. being treated as though they have no parental rights.
Growing up a child with an appropriate partner’s support is obviously challenging due to family responsibilities. But for a single parent having a job with numerous responsibilities without adequate support, it is even more challenging. When it comes to single parents, they receive no support from society, and they become more resilient
A woman may be staying alone for a variety of reasons;she can be widowed, divorced, separated, or unmarried. Here, society takes advantage of this circumstance and adopts the patriarchal belief that a woman cannot survive on her own without men; there is no safety, and they begin to pressure her to get married again or accuse her of being the reason her husband abandoned her or died as a result of her torture by blaming her. Stereotypes in society dictate that women must take good care of their husbands or else they run the risk of losing them. If a woman chooses to remarry and finds someone on her own, engages in character assassination, mistreats them, or even tries to get close to them out of lust, she will be seen as a sinner. These are the experiences that most single women have throughout their lives.
In certain families, our grandparents tend to raise us, but occasionally our parents are our biological parents. According to reports, 54% of children have grandparents as their primary caregivers for the first three years of their lives. Sometimes, when they take on the role of caregiver, their health also declines. This happens when parents are busy with their jobs, and the grandparents come as a saviour.
According to CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority), there are approximately 29.6 million abandoned, orphaned, and stranded children in India, and between 2023 and 2024,more than 3500 intra-country and inter-country adoptions took place. Adoption is completely frowned upon by society, and women who choose to adopt are called offensive names.Even though they experience a great deal of fear, criticism, support, and bonding with their children. During this stage, they also must deal with legal issues, social pressures, and the fact that the new person will completely alter everyone’s way of life in the home. This adoption requires the necessary amount of time for adaptation. Mothers undoubtedly experience a great deal of emotional and psychological impact, which prepares themfor their new journey.
Additionally, studies show that stigmatisation is higher in adoption compared to infertility. Only strong, independent women can endure such things and continue to support adoption.
Caregivers are people who look after children without expecting anything in return.For instance, when two family members work, and the parents lack family support, they typically have a caregiver at home to look after the child. The child naturally develops a strong bond with the caregiver, and later, it makes it difficult for the child to create a bond with their own biological parents. When their own partner, daughter, or son refuses to perform these tasks, the caregiver’s role in caring for the elderly includes feeding them, cleaning their body, and, if they are bedridden, acting as a mother.
In contrast to lesbian parenting or gay parenting, LGBTQ+ parenting is not socially acceptable. People often worry that they won’t be able to raise them well. It will be a failure, and they frequently question how they could accomplish this. They also worry that the growing child will not be good enough to fit into this society. On the other hand, studies show that children of lesbian parents perform better academically and have higher emotional intelligence than children of heterosexual parents.
In a study on LGBTQ+ parenting, participants reported having trouble thinking of themselves as parents, passing on the stigma to the next generation, having trouble introducing their partner as LGBTQ+, and facing discrimination in society due to their identity. Inclusion of all genders in all fields such as hospitals, schools, and other places will be the solution. In addition to improving their mental health and helping them overcome the internalised stigma, this expands treatment options for fertilisation programs and approaches for people of all genders.
For those who identify as LGBTQ+, mental health problems lead to a tight and pressured social environment. Because society believes that only a male and female couple can engage in natural reproduction, they may appear to be heterosexual on the outside, but on the inside, they may be of a different gender. However, heterosexual couples who are infertile go through adoption, but the same society makes it challenging for couples of other genders.
Therefore, being a mother is a complicated responsibility which can be fulfilled only out of love. However, as a society, we make it extremely difficult for those who are unable to conceive naturally. Is adopting perceived as normal when a parent is unable to conceive? Isn’t it normal when the other gender, other than heterosexual, adopts a child? We should examine the problem and work to establish a welcoming environment or community where they can raise their kids in harmony. Policy makers, organisations, and adoption centres should raise awareness of this, and society should view it as normal. Being a mother involves more than just having children; it also entails raising them in a way that is appropriate for this society.Adopting a child is the most honourable thing a person can do; they are the true stars and heroes that society has failed to recognise. Adopting a child can be done for a variety of reasons. People should consider adopting a child instead of pursuing any cutting-edge treatments if they are unable to conceive on their own or have other biological problems, as many children are waiting for parents. This will actively contribute to lowering India’s orphan rates.
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