The process of BAM should be studied in transitions such
as becoming a mother of a school-age child, an adolescent,
an adult, or becoming a grandmother. How does the process
differ as a woman expands her maternal self? Identification
of mothers’ stressors and needed support as a child moves
from dependence to becoming a peer as a parent should indicate
areas for intervention in mothers’ preparation, learning,
moving to a new normal in family life, and achieving comfort
with an expanded maternal identity. Are some variables
more influential at different developmental milestones?How
does a woman support her daughter in becoming a mother
and a peer? The complexity of women’s roles as wife, mother,
and employee has increased much faster than has the health
and social system in providing support. A lifespan approach
to the mothering role is needed, along with determining different
ways to be happy and unhappy in the mother-child
relationship in different situations such as whether one is a
single mother, an adoptive mother, or a stepmother (McBride
& Shore, 2001). These expanded investigations are needed
to further develop and refine theories and practice related
to maternal roles and transitions.