Do you know how Mother's Day started?

I did not know and was surprised to read that is was started in pre-Christian times in the UK, but the modern-day Mother's Day - which involves the cards, flowers, chocolates etc - was started in the United States by Anna Jarvis.

Anna was the 9th child of 11 and made it her life's work to commemorate every mother after her own mother died. The idea - like Mothering Sunday - was for families to get together in church to recognise the real value of motherhood.

She campaigned for over a decade in the US and finally US President Woodrow Wilson officially dedicated a day to mothers in 1914 - the second Sunday in May in the US.

In the UK Mothering Sunday dates back to pre-Christian times. In 18th and 19th Centuries, servants were given the day off to visit their mothers.

Britons sent 23 million cards in 2005, about 30% of which are homemade.

But within years it had become commercialised. Ms Jarvis was horrified. She tried to take action, incorporating herself as the Mother's Day International Association and claiming copyright on the date.

After years of campaigning and losing all her family money, she died in 1948 and failed to achieve her goal.

Despite failing, in some respects she did not at least we have a day that celebrates motherhood, but most celebrate in a way that would have offended Anna.

Mother's day is a day to "Say it with flowers" or other nice goodies, but it can and is often seen as a time to be pressured by advertisers to buy cards, flowers, and presents.

Celebrating Mother's Day is so much more than a bought card, present or flowers, it is a day for our children to say "thank you" for being there, looking after us when we can't ourselves and being what only a mum can be A MUM!

The relationship between a mum and her child or children is very special.

As a mum myself, I can now appreciate my mum so much more. Mum seems such a short word for such a massive role that is played in all our lives. If you worked out all the roles you do as a mum you will realise how diverse and complex they are.

Here is just an example of some of the "roles" a mum plays. As with many women having children and becoming a mum changes so many things, our priorities on what is important, a change of career and so much more. The most changing role for me was how it affected ME, the loss of confidence, self esteem and the feeling that we often get about "am I doing it right?". Have a look at the list and see if you recognise the extremely diverse, capable and experienced person you have or will become.

The roles of a MUM

• child carer 24 hours a day 7 days a week
• cleaner
• cook
• nappy changer
• social secretary
• career woman
• taxi service
• first aid and nurse for everyone
• teacher for crucial early learning and homework supervisor
• running the home and economy
• washing queen!
• ironing lady
• DIY and odd jobs
• gardner
• child psychologist
• mediator
• police, judge and jury
• art and craft teacher
• organiser

The list is endless and different for everyone. If you can think of a good role to add to this list drop me a line and we will add it. debbie@forparentsbyparents.co.uk

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