There are two new titles associated with the office of the US Presidency. First Lady Michelle Obama has described herself first and foremost as Mom-in-Chief. Her mother, Marian Robinson, now carries the title of First Grammy. What a powerful message these two women are sending to a watching world! The dilemmas facing women who are mothers of young children and also carry additional leadership responsibilities outside their homes are growing daily. The increasing role of women who are mothers in the world of politics, corporate leadership, finance, and the professions are challenging women who want their children to be healthy and, at the same time, recognize the important leadership role they play in the world. Some might advocate for these women to abdicate their leadership positions for the sake of their children. If they chose not to or are not able to do so, how can these women provide their children with the consistent loving and intimate care they need to develop a healthy sense of self-worth and personal competence? The seven women whose stories are shared in Once Upon a Time There Was a Little Girl lost their mothers when they were young through death, or physical, or emotional abandonment. The trauma they experienced had serious consequences for them into their adult lives. The profound significance of healthy mothering is perhaps what led First Lady Michelle Obama to name herself as Mom-in-Chief and invite her own mother to be First Grammy. She has raised an issue that women leaders who are mothers struggle with daily.
