Swain Wodening’s Blog

No one can argue that mothers interact differently with their children than fathers do. This makes having a mother beneficial naturally to children. Mothers are more likely to encourage communicative behavior in their children according to an article by Ann M. Berghout Austin and T.J. Braeger. This means children learn much of their language skills from their mothers. Mothers are also more likely to recognize what their children do, and encourage them according to a study done by E. Hladik, & H. Edwards. This makes mothers uniquely suited to formulating a large part of children’s social interaction. Naturally, this extends to teaching. Mothers tend to teach their children more intellectual things than fathers do.

For Heathens, mothers are vital in their children’s lives. It is mothers that probably first teach their children technical terms such as blot and symbel, and mothers are more likely to encourage their children in pursuit of our folkway. Heathen mothers can be supportive of their children in any special interest in our religion. Heathen mothers can do many things to support this process. Reading to our children at bedtime the Norse myths, encouraging interaction in household rites, and Heathen craft projects are all ways that a mother can encourage their child to choose Heathenry as their religion. The fact that mothers interact differently with their children makes for a more balanced child when an adult.