By Ann McGough

Happy Mother's Day! Those of us who are blessed to be mothers know that the day is about more than a nice brunch and some flowers. It is a day for us to take stock of what being a mother means to us.

For me, being a mother often means, "Never saying never." I used to say that people who put "harnesses" or "leashes" on their children must be cruel. Now I say, "Where did you buy that? I have been looking for one!"

Before I had children, I knew that bribing children was a bad precedent to set. Now I keep a bag of lollipops in bag at all times, because you just never know when a meltdown will occur!

I used to think that if children were hitters, pushers, or biters, they must see violence in their home or stay up late to watch "Monday Night Raw". Now, as the parent of a wonderful, sweet child who moonlights as part-time playground bully, I can often be heard saying, "Okay kids, time to go!"

Before I became a mother, I would judge a shopping plaza by the quality of its stores. As of late, I have begun frequenting the Hanover Mall, not because of J. Crew or Ann Taylor, but because there is a children's play area, a Friendly's, and a clean family restroom and that is good enough for me.

A treat used to be a manicure and a pedicure. Now, it is listening to talk radio instead of a Sesame Street CD when I run out to do an errand by myself.

And errands used to be just that: errands. However, today, everything is a teachable moment. For instance, during a routine trip to buy fruit for the week, we learn that bananas are yellow, oranges are round, and that if you grab two apples from the bottom of the display, they all fall.

Before children, musical theatre conjured up images of Bob Fosse and Andrew Lloyd Webber. However, as a Mom, I have driven down to Providence to see Sesame Street Live! and am about to call Kevin Hayes to see what's the best he can do for Wiggles tickets!

Like many other young parents before me, I often thought that my parents were far too strict. I felt that they had come down too hard on me, their first-born. Now, I hear myself saying many of the same things that my mother once said to me and in the same tone! I said I would never use that tone. But, sometimes it is necessary, like when you have happily read seven bedtime stories, cheerily sing every song you know (and I know a lot of songs) and your little one is still telling you she is not tired. I know enough not to sweat the small stuff, but a two-and- a-half year old should not be able to identify Letterman and Leno.

Before I had children, I was always very busy. I saw people running around with their children and felt sorry for them. I was off jet-setting around the world and I thought, "This is the life." I thought motherhood was restraining. I realize now that there is no greater journey than being a mother and for that I say thank you to my husband Michael and to Ellen, Mikey, and Kevin!

Ann McGough is a regular contributor to the Dorchester Reporter.