My son’s first sport was diving. He was the kid doing somersaults off the bed at the age of 4. We needed professional help. We signed him up for diving with coaches who could channel this ability and energy, but I’m not sure I was prepared for the reality of seeing my very small child alone at the end of a diving board flipping 360 degrees. As a mother, I’ve never quite figured out whether it’s better to hold your breath, or just breathe when it’s time for your child to take their next independent steps.

Then he tried basketball. This was easier to watch – five guys on a court, all working together to score the most points. My son said to me, “this is so easy, you don’t have to do it all yourself.” And I realized that he’d nailed the heart of what teamwork means.

I am thankful as a mom I don’t have to do it all myself. My mother before me, her mother before her, my aunt, my cousin, and my sister all helped make me the mom I am. I learn how to do the job better each day from all four of my kids and my husband. I hope that everyone has someone who helped them along the way.

I can’t be all things to my kids, but I can surround them with the village that will help raise them – the team that will help them become winners. Moms shouldn’t forget that as they stand alone at the end of the board of motherhood, ready to leap into the unknown of each new day as a parent, there is a community willing to help us help our children.

First Book honors the mothers, caregivers, teachers, and mentors among us, who each day, surround our children with the best they have to offer. Celebrate your mom this Mother’s Day by making a donation in her honor at www.firstbook.org. Happy Mother’s Day!