Credit to Emily Rose Brookshire at Simply Vintage Girl Blog
That old rocking chair! I’ve almost forgotten those sleepless night of seemingly endless rocking, but they were some of the best of my life! As a mother of three, I believe that the true Mother in me was born in that rocking chair deep in the middle of the night…
MOTHERS ROCK!
Do you automatically rock when you hold a baby? In fact, do you rock even when you are not holding a baby?
Once you have experienced motherhood it becomes part of who you are, doesn’t it?
It think it is built within us mothers to rock.
I have always believed that every mother should have a rocking chair. It is part of mothering and should be part of every baby’s life.
Even though my children have grown and I have many grandchildren, I still rock. I rock when I hold a baby and I rock when I am not holding a baby!
And I have to admit I sway whenever I am standing. I’m marked for life with rocking!
Keep on rocking, mothers.
~Nancy Campbell, Above Rubies
Halsey [Hospital] Nursery by Jessie Willcox Smith (1863 – 1935, American)
The Power Of A Rocking Mother
As a nursing student in ‘the olden-days’, I learned that the age-old practice of rocking your baby to sleep is foundational for many aspects of her early development.
Soothing your child is essential for overall well-being and in this strange new world, rocking most closely resembles the womb. Feeling the weight and warmth of this tiny body on yours is a closeness you both need.
Helping your baby to trust – that she is safe in your care – can be a powerful influence on her overall disposition, sense of optimism, and outlook on life. I can imagine that in those early weeks with a newborn, this talk of bonding may seem a bit abstract as you are doing all you know to do, but rest assured that this time together will not only grow your child’s trust in you, but also encourage you in your motherly instincts.
Sweet and Low by Jessie Willcox Smith
The comforting tempo of rocking to and fro will help baby understand that when she is in your arms her needs are being met. With that assured, over time she can begin to develop the ability to calm herself. And there, pressed gently against your bosom, is one of the greatest gifts you will ever give to your child.
It’s Mother’s Arms by Jesse Willcox Smith
A ROCKING MOM
She rocked me as a little tyke
I happily recall,
In winter, summer, autumn, spring,
And never let me fall.
I’ve gotten where I am ( and here’s
A psychiatric shocker!)
Because I had a mother who
Was seldom off her rocker!
~ Unknown
If you don’t mind getting teary-eyed as you read aloud to your children, you might be as gripped by this this unusual book as we have been. ‘Gripped’ as in touched or moved. Love You Forever speaks a lot about rocking.
I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
As long as I’m living
my baby you’ll be.
~Refrain in Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
A reflection in my old journal: ‘I always hold onto that last moment in the rocking chair – stroking my lips against her soft little head and humming a song – and remember the tiny baby that became my precocious toddler will someday become a beautiful young woman and likely a mother herself. Lord, help me to teach her to follow You. One last kiss on her downy soft cheek, holding on so tightly but knowing I need to hold her loosely…’
Did or do you rock your babes? Do you like to sing?
Pin It! Pin It!
Our favorite music to rock and sing to is by Michael Card. Two CDs in particular have blessed us over and over. They still remain favorites of our grown children today: Sleep Sound In Jesus (listen) and Come To the Cradle (listen). If you love Jesus and desire for your little ones to know Him and His Word, you will not be disappointed!
Here are some of my choices for Memorable Children’s Music For Car & Bedtime.
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Thanks for reading!

Sarma Ilgenfritz says
Just found your site – so glad I did – peace and love radiate from it. I too am a rocker and swayer; often smile to myself as I notice myself doing it at the checkout (without a baby of course). At 65, I have 12 grandchildren and I take care of infants every day in a daycare – I am blessed to have many reasons to keep on rockin’.
Jacqueline says
Haha! I love people who rock babies and children …it often shows a gentle spirit and communicates such warmth and encouragement 🙂
DO keep on rocking, dear new friend 🙂 Blessings in the Lord and have a terrific weekend.
Peggy Atherton says
Jacqueline,
When the Lord led me to your website, I was elated! You and I think exactly alike. I’ve been married 42 yrs, homeschooled all 4 of our children and am trying to disciple my girls with their children. We live in Texas. I told my girls that if I knew you, we would be friends. Our hearts are in the same place. Thank you and I will be with you in this quest to help the next generation of Godly mothers.
PA
Jacqueline says
Peggy, that blesses my heart so much! You are such an encouragement today especially as the blog was hacked last night, and I feel it is the evil one trying to discourage and destroy. We will fight back with prayer and praise!
May the Lord richly bless you and your family!