In which stage of Mercer's maternal role attainment does a mother begin to make personal choices about mothering?

The correct answer is the informal stage. At this point in Mercer's maternal role attainment theory, a mother begins to make personal choices about her approach to mothering. This stage is characterized by the mother's growing confidence and autonomy in her role. Unlike the formal stage, where she largely follows social norms and expectations regarding motherhood, the informal stage allows her to reflect on her experiences, preferences, and values. She starts to integrate her unique identity into her mothering role, leading to a more personalized approach to caring for her child.

In this stage, mothers often seek to balance external expectations with their own instincts and desires, experimenting with different parenting styles and strategies that feel right for them and their family. This personalization signifies a key transition from merely fulfilling a role defined by external narratives to embracing a more authentic and self-defined experience of motherhood.