Mothers make the world go around, yet 18% of Brits confessed they don’t show their mums enough appreciation. Beyond careers, raising children and the day-to-day chaos that comes with being a mother, they are women with their own ambitions, hobbies and interests.
But being a mother often takes priority over dreams and desires. With Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s time to remind ourselves just how much our mothers do to create a life full of love, laughter and support, and the sacrifices they make for the love of their children.
Let’s take a look at how well people know their mothers, along with some ideas on how to cherish and connect with mums this Mother’s Day, and every day in between.
How well do you know your mother?
It’s easy to think of a mother as just that, a mum. But behind the parent is a person, and it seems a lot of children don’t know them as well as they could.
29% of children believe that mums put parenting first, which explains why 26% couldn’t tell you what they enjoy outside of parenting duties. While 21% admitted they don’t know how to make their mums feel appreciated, 6% don’t know their mums’ personality outside of being a parent.
This seems like a pretty big problem. Mothers have lives too, but if their children only know and see them as ‘mum’, it can make spending time on themselves and their interests much more difficult.
A huge 80% couldn’t tell us the sacrifices their mums made for them, but the 20% who could shared they wanted to help her achieve her goals because of this.
So, if you feel like you should get to know your mum better, here are 10 questions to connect with your mother, to understand her passions, her interests and who she is without the label of mum:
- What did you want to be/do growing up?
- What is your favourite childhood memory?
- What has been the most valuable life lesson?
- What gives your life a sense of purpose (away from being a parent)?
- What would you like people to remember you for?
- Do you have any hobbies or interests that you want to pursue?
- Are there any plans or goals you have for your career?
- What is number one on your bucket list?
- What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
- What is your favourite thing about yourself?
Learning about your mother, her experiences and ambitions may even teach you a thing or two about yourself.
The amazing sacrifices mums have made to be the best parent
Being a parent is one of the most challenging yet fulfilling experiences in life, but it comes with many sacrifices as priorities change and life becomes a whole lot busier.
We asked mothers what they sacrificed in their lives to give their children the upbringing and love they deserve. Compromises around social lives seems to be the most common sacrifice mothers made, with 31% sharing they sacrificed relationships with friends and family, and 29% stopped being as social once they had kids.
Travel goals were swapped with family holidays for 27%, and day-to-day spontaneity dropped for 24% of mothers. 20% rarely spend any time on themselves, and 14% feel guilty when they relax.
Fitness and wellbeing routines had to adapt around their children for 17%, and 12% gave up on career ambitions and jobs.
Having children has huge impacts on your sense of self and identity, and for 13% of mothers, being ‘mum’ felt like their only persona to everyone, not just their children. 11% also said they no longer felt happy about their appearance and bodies after starting a family.
It’s truly incredible the sacrifices that mothers make for their families. But that can also come with isolation, and feeling unseen as they give up parts of who they were before being a parent.
Encouraging your mum to spend some time focusing on herself is a great way to support her and connect with her. You could offer to babysit younger siblings occasionally, give her space to enjoy her free time, or just show genuine interest in how she’s feeling. Small, thoughtful acts like these can help her feel valued, seen, and heard.
How to make mums feel special on Mother’s Day
Making mothers feel special doesn’t need to cost money, it can simply start with communication, unprompted appreciation and recognition, which 24% of mothers shared made them feel special, alongside 17% who enjoyed regular calls from their children.
Appreciating mothers should be something to practice every day of the year, but Mother’s Day is a great excuse to make a grander gesture, like taking them to a concert or helping them get back into an old hobby.
Finally, if you’re really hoping to treat your lovely mum, don’t forget to pick out a thoughtful Mother’s Day card from our collection. With designs ranging from the sweet to the sentimental, you’re sure to find something unique:
And once you’ve got the card sorted, it’s time to pick out a gift to go with it! Make your mum feel special this Mother’s Day, and celebrate the wonderful person she is.
