Roles of Mothers

Karen White includes examples of several different types of mothers as well as the impact that their mothering ability has on their children. Sugar’s mother and Merilee’s mother are both examples of absent mothers though they were absent from their daughters’ lives for different reasons. Lindi and Merilee are examples of mothers trying to do the best for their children despite the fact they work full-time jobs. Heather is an example of a mother who dedicates her life to her children.

Astrid and Deanna are both mothers who are not supportive of their children, though their lack of support derives from differing reasons. Sugar’s mother began getting “tired” (51) after she lost three babies who died before they were even two years old. She stopped doing everything she enjoyed, including caring for her children, and spent her days singing sad songs and...