NOW CLOSED Take a look at Fiat's viral video "The Motherhood" and tell us what motherhood means to you - there's a £200 Mamas & Papas voucher to be won!

[KatieBMumsnet]

In anticipation of the launch of the new Fiat 500L next year, the folks at Fiat have released a video showcasing what motherhood is like for one woman. Here's what they say: "We hope that by exaggerating the reality of embracing a new life stage in this viral will raise a knowing smile from mums everywhere."

Please take a couple of minutes of your time (well 3.12 to be precise) to and come back to this thread to tell us your thoughts on the joys of motherhood. Are there any parts in the video that you feel sum you up? Was there anything you particularly related to? What line do you think is missing from the song? We know this may not be everyone's cup of tea, so if you don't think this portrays motherhood in your eyes, what does? How would you describe how being a mum makes you feel? What are the highs and lows of life post children vs life before?

We want to know how Mumsnetters describe motherhood, so please add your comments below.

Everyone who adds a comment to this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive a £200 Mamas & Papas voucher.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

[MikeLitorisHasChristmasLights]

I found it quite amusing.

I think 'what does motherhood mean to you' is a very hard question to answer.

I've been a mum since the age of 18, it is such a huge part of me. Its doing whatever it is my dc need me to do, being what they need me to be without question or exception.

[raininginbaltimore]

I think it's funny. I loved the "I'd sell both my kidneys just to get some rest" I once remember telling DH I felt like I was being tortured and they could have whatever they wanted just so I could sleep!

What does motherhood mean? Putting yourself absolutely last. I sometimes think I come below the cats in our house. It is knowing your children instinctively, I never noticed with DS, but with dd I've noticed how after a few months I understood her (not completely!) better then everyone else. But thi usually meant I am the one to eat cold dinner, to wait four hours to go for a wee.

My DH is great, he does his share. But he doesn't seem to "sacrifice" on the same way. Maybe that is my fault, I'm not trying to be a martyr.

Things that stand out for me about motherhood: squishing myself into a toddler bed to sleep with a scared 3 yr old, pretending to be a dragon/batman/princess or whatever demanded of me, using baby wipes to clean my clothes, spending hours just holding and rocking a baby, sharing your food, realising that when that little person is scared/I'll they turn and look at you. And my son's belief that I can do pretty much anything.

[Chopstheduck]

I really liked the lyrics, but I didn't like her. Couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I just didn't feel like it really worked. See it's getting rave reviews on youtube though, and lots thinking she is a milf which maybe why it's nto working for me so much!

I think newer mothers may identify with it more. Mine are well past the toddler years, and motherhood to me now means totally different things. It's not so much nappies and nursing bras as tantrums, hormones, puberty, girly weekends away with my daughter, cheering on Quins at rugby with my son. I think I much prefer motherhood now, to dealing with toddlers!

[SantasHugandRollintheSnow]

I found it funny and it makes a refreshing change from other adverts portraying motherhood as all smiles, cuddles and trips to the park on forever sunny days. I know that some people may find it "sexist" but I don't as I can clearly see they are not taking themselves seriously with it.

For me motherhood is putting the children first, always feeling guilty about something and trying not to lose my rag all mixed in with the wonderful joy you feel when your child tells you they love you, they manage to do something for the first time, they smile at you, want to hold your hand etc.

I feel real highs and lows being a mum, sometimes the lows outnumber the highs but the highs always outweigh the lows.

[Chopstheduck]

It's interesting how different people's views are actually.

'What does motherhood mean? Putting yourself absolutely last.'

feck that for a laugh, half my battle is with the kids to realise that no, I am not last, or a skivvy, or to be walked over. And balancing that relationship between enjoying time with them, and having a good trusting relationship, almost a friendship and still retaining the respect from them. We're a team in this house, and we all work together, and we all have needs and feelings.

[sweetkitty]

The mother is far too well groomed and slim. Live the video though.

For me motherhood is all consuming, at times I feel utterly overwhelmed with these 4 little people and all their needs and wants but ultimately I love caring for them. My life was pretty empty before they came along, they are my life now. I adore being a Mum but would like 5 minutes peace to drink my tea

[CMOTDibbler]

The video was reasonably funny, though it was all the negative stuff, and I'd like to see one about fatherhood - the accepted norm is that a womans life becomes totally dominated by her children, and a mans goes on much as before.

What does motherhood mean to me? I'm not sure really, as its kind of an extension of me as I was before, and of dh and me together. But what it is, is the feeling that ds has added a whole new dimension to who I am. Not that its taken things away, but has added the ability to (at 40 and grey haired) walk down the street singing, dance on our own - explore the silly side of me.
And he believes in me - god, he believes in me. He tells me to face my fears, and that I can do anything if I try

[AppleOgies]

Even in her pjs and hat she looked fab... Wish I had time to look this fab!

On the whole I found it quite funny, I can really identify with the 'eating leftover fish fingers'.

What does motherhood mean to me, Hhhmmm I certainly don't agree regarding 'putting myself last' but I would say that as a mother I have realised that I am no longer the most important person in my life, I would go without anything for my DS, do anything for my DS, he is my world.

Motherhood is exhausting and rewarding, I wouldn't change it for the world.

[threepiecesuite]

It started well, with the camera panning over the mess.... but then I found it all a bit too cringey and try-hard, and didn't warm to the woman much, didn't like her over acting.
The lyrics were clever, "snot-stained sack", ha.

Ultimately, a white Fiat 500 to me, belongs to a young single girl (2 ofDD's nursery workers have one) and is far too small for a family car so the whole concept is lost on me.

Motherhood to me is fulfilling and makes me feel proud. It's sacrificing your own wants and needs for those of a small person.
My DD is 2.10. Yesterday, I dragged her round a chockablock Asda after work, got drenched in the rain, got home at 6pm to a cold, dark house. DD asked if we could put the new battery in her Jitterbugs game and have a game. I was wet through, still had coat and high heels on, car full of shopping, starving, needed a wee...but plonked myself on the floor, changed the battery and played the game. She won. That's motherhood.

[SolomanDaisy]

God, that was awful. Her body has changed according to the cringe-inducing rap, yet her stomach is entirely flat. She is breastfeeding wearing a high-necked jumper. Her three children have only impacted on her house by scattering toys around, allowing her fluffy white rug to remain pristine. Haha.

Just as an aside, I hate it when companies describe a video as viral when they are paying for advertising to get views. That's not a virus, that's an anthrax attack.

[BluelightsAndSirens]

Why do these adverts always focus on what is seen as the downside about motherhood?

How many times can vomit, baby sick be mentioned in 3 minutes.

Agree about the white fluffy rug!

How about an advert showing a mum loading a weeks shop in the boot, a small child's first experience in a car wash, running a bit late for school with a buggy, 4 coats, umbrella, book bags, lunch boxes and everything fitting effortlessly into the car.

Reading a book in the car park with a sneaky bar of chocolate whilst waiting for the school gates to open, all singing along to the radio etc

I'm a mum with 3 children and have been Carless for a few years and it wasn't fun, an ad can show what a luxury and help a car is.

[maxmillie]

I found it quite amusing. But I'm not convinced about their market. That is not a large family car and you could not get 2 booster seats and a baby seat in it (like the woman in the video would need) as the middle seat is not full width. And with a buggy in what's left of the boot there would be no room for anything else. They will never compete with the MPVs for famillies of more than 2 kids. Might be ok for famillies with only 2 kids or as a second car.

[aimingtobeaperfectionist]

Well I like the car, just not the viral. She's too thin and made up for my liking- makes me feel even worse about the fact I'm still I'm pjs with no make up on.
I'm not a fan of rap either so his just doesn't do it for me. I can see where they were coming from and the idea I think had potential but it's not my style.
It's quite depressing in a way, didn't mak me feel 'good' about being a mum- just pointed out the bad bits.
I love motherhood. All of it. There's a lot of bad bits (night feeds, poo explosions, the constant worry) but the good far outweighs all of that. That first morning smile, a cuddle, feeding baby all makes me feel im doing ok, doing what I should be doing.
It's all very overwhelming most of the time and my life (and body) won't ever be the same but that's fine. That's what life's about, changing. Hopefully for the better.

[decktheballs]

I liked the video but the woman was too well groomed.
To me motherhood means always thinking of the children first. I'm still me and important but they are more so.
Cook, cleaner, referee, chauffeur, bank, agony aunt, are all in a days work but one snotty kiss and cuddle makes it all so worth while.
I want the best for my children, I try my best for them.

[BellaVida]

I am a mum of 4 under 9, including a set of twins and a toddler! First reaction is that it was entertaining and I could relate to most of it, but overall it focused on the negative aspects of being a mum. For me, being a mum has made me experience the most intense emotions possible, from fear and desperation for their survival (in pregnancy), to sheer elation, joy and pride in every achievement. I still cry at their school concerts and nativities!

Also, why just inside the home? I have worked full time and even taken trips abroad for work with a baby in one arm and a trolley case in the other. I would add the lyrics " How do we do it I hear you all asking? We are the masters of multi-tasking!"

To make it a little more believable, the mum would need to be a little less 'together' (perhaps less groomed with hair back in a practical-haven't-had
-time-to-do-my-hair-pony tail) and subject to at least a few interruptions. The car would also be more integral, what with school runs, after school activities, football training, parties, play dates, not to mention shopping trips!

So, being a mum is who and what I am and I wouldn't change it for the world. The children grow up so fast and who knows what will happen in the future, so for now we enjoy today. For me "Being a mother is all embracing, I'll deal with anything that needs facing. I am your world and you are mine. I'll love you now 'til the end of time.'

In the 'hood!

[lottytheladybird]

I thought the lyrics were amusing, though I found the gangster style of video slightly strange. I don't think they meant for it to be a serious, so in that light, I think it was quite good. I could definitely relate to some of the lyrics and scenes.

Motherhood is wonderful and challenging at the same time. I don't think a video about how fulfilling motherhood is would have been very amusing though.

For me motherhood has brought me an immense amount of joy. I love being a family and sharing in new experiences with my two DSs.

[EarnestDullard]

I found it funny and, as a mother of a toddler and a baby, all --too- very familiar.

What does motherhood mean to me though? It's both the hardest and the best thing I've ever done. I feel motherhood is what defines me at the moment, as my children (DD2 especially, who is 11 weeks old) depend on me completely, but as they grow up they'll need me less. I'll still be a mother of course, but hopefully I'll be other things as well.

[FridgeBenefits]

I found this uncomfortably true (apart from her being thin and not having that dragged-though-the-hedge-backwards look)

My family is going through some really tough times at the moment, and motherhood to me now is that I am absolutely at the bottom of the pecking order, and my needs are less important than anyone else's.
Motherhood is struggling to keep stress levels contained. Trying to juggle life and keep the peace, then feeling terrible because I've failed at those simple things.
I have in my mind what motherhood should be, and it usually involves healthy home cooking, happy times all together, calm evenings when I happily reflect on the day, but the truth is, at the moment, it's none of those things.

Sorry, that's a bit depressing Not a £200 voucher winning post at all!

[lagoonhaze]

I think it was quite depressing to be honest.

I do like the nit raker bit though.

[sosadforhim]

I thought it was a fun advert, made me laugh and I could relate to some of it.

A few points I would note though:

Is the car not too small for the 3 kids? Maybe 2 children would be more realistic.
I'd love to see a warts and all clip of a mother who is a little more round of shape.For example her trying on her bikini at home and showing an OBVIOUS post baby belly? Then highlight the storage space in the car by then showing the family putting kids, luggage and themselves in with ease.

Show the car more. Maybe her and her partner going out for a night out in the car, cut to him or her looking at her/his shoulder in a restaurant with some baby sick on; then cut to them having a wee cuddle and kiss on their date night in the car, ending the scene with them madly checking their watches, stuck in traffic on the way home. Motherhood seems to be always checking the time!

Actaully show her having a wee singsong with the kids in the car, having fun in the car. Taking the kids out with funny halloween outfits; maybe a frantic dropping off of to various clubs/sports.

A lovely peaceful moment of mum and baby BF in the car?
oh, and the woman enjoying a drive alone int he car singing happily to herself. Her car is her little sanctuary.

Motherhood to me is all consuming. if I'm away from him he's never far from my mind. It's changed my outlook on life, I'm not as selfish. I'm still me but feel more fulfilled and love seeing the world through his eyes.

[DowagersHump]

I liked the song if only for the fact that it's the only time I've ever heard the word episiotomy as a lyric.

The actress reminded me of Heather McCartney (or whatever she's called now) so that wasn't very positive. Car is totally unsuitable for a mother of 3 kids - I rented one with my DS (am a single parent) on holiday and we could only fit one of the cases in the boot - everything else had to go in the car!

I'm with CMOT though really - my DS's belief in me and his faith that I can do anything is really what motherhood means to me. Yes, it's been all that stuff too but the mess, the sleeplessness and the disruption are worth it

[MrsMangoGingerbreadhouse]

I loved that video, I've already seen it a few times, I must watch far too much youtube. I understand that she was made up with her hair done because ultimately it was an advert, and only pretty people can sell things but the perfect hair was a bit too far. I also didn't like the "orgasm faker" line, what the hell has that got to do with motherhood? Other than that, it made me laugh out loud. DH wanted to know why so we had to watch it again, and were both laughing. I loved the bit about "work vs home is a mental combination..." recently potty trained and have just upped hours at work, so it rang very true! It doesn't sell the car to me though, it doesn't really seem related. As others have said, it's not really big enough to be a family car.

Motherhood to me is a balancing act. Balancing DDs needs with my own, balancing work/home, sharing responsibilities with DH fairly, prioritising things carefully. It's amazing, and the most fulfilling thing I've ever done, and bloody hard work!

Soft play gangsta!

[carovioletfizz]

I liked the video a lot and identified with much of what she was saying....she didn't look quite frazzled enough though!

For me motherhood is the hardest, most tiring, thankless job I have ever done, but far and away the most rewarding, wonderful one - it's my life.

[Zipitydooda]

I thought the video was very funny and not cliched or twee.

I even had a look at the car online as she has 3 children as do I and I wanted to see how the car (which looks quite funky) can accommodate the family. However, I was disappointed as I couldn't find this information and I suspect therefore, it's not true. Poor backup by Fiat really to release that video without a simple way of verifying if it is true about the car.

As for motherhood for me; I think it's like being permanently in the just falling in love stage of a relationship with all the ups and downs that go with it; 'will he phone? Will he phone?' is now 'will they make me proud by the way they behave at X? Please don't embarrass me'. The flip side is the immense undescribable love and the way you can fall in love with your constantly developing children all over again, again and again. They can make you cry with happiness or sorrow just by thinking of them.