Mother’s Day is an annual occasion observed in many parts of the world to honour and appreciate the role of mothers and maternal figures. While its origins are rooted in historical traditions, the day has evolved into a globally recognised event, shaped by cultural contexts and social dynamics. Beyond the flowers and heartfelt cards, Mother’s Day represents a broader acknowledgment of the psychological importance of maternal bonds and the evolving roles of mothers in modern society.

Psychological Impact of Celebrating Mother’s Day

From a psychological standpoint, Mother’s Day holds emotional significance for both children and mothers. It provides a structured opportunity to express gratitude, reinforce bonds, and reflect on familial relationships. According to attachment theory, the mother–child bond is fundamental to emotional development and social functioning (Bowlby, 1969). Celebrating Mother’s Day can help reinforce this bond, offering emotional security and a sense of belonging.

A study by Marks et al. (2015) found that family rituals like Mother’s Day contribute positively to psychological wellbeing and life satisfaction. Such rituals foster a sense of continuity and shared identity within families, especially important in increasingly individualistic societies. However, the day can also be emotionally challenging for those who have lost mothers, are estranged, or are facing infertility. For them, Mother’s Day may evoke grief or emotional distress rather than joy (Neimeyer, 2001).

Mental health professionals increasingly encourage people to approach the day with emotional awareness, and schools and organisations are beginning to adopt more inclusive language and activities to accommodate diverse experiences (Smith & Thomas, 2021).

The Role of Mothers in Contemporary Society

The role of mothers has undergone significant transformation in the modern era. Traditionally viewed as primary caregivers and homemakers, today’s mothers often juggle multiple roles, including professional responsibilities, caregiving, and community involvement. According to the Office for National Statistics (2021), the number of working mothers in the UK has reached a record high, with nearly 75% of mothers in employment.

Despite progress in gender equality, mothers still face structural challenges. The “motherhood penalty”—a term describing the career disadvantages women face after becoming mothers—continues to affect wage levels, career progression, and job stability (Budig & England, 2001). In contrast, fathers often experience the “fatherhood bonus”, receiving wage increases and positive workplace perceptions (Gough & Noonan, 2013).

At the same time, the concept of motherhood is expanding to include a wider variety of experiences. Same-sex couples, adoptive parents, single mothers, and transgender parents are increasingly recognised in legal, social, and academic discourse (Richards et al., 2017). This evolving understanding acknowledges the diversity of modern families and the importance of inclusive definitions of motherhood.

Technological advancements have also impacted motherhood. Social media platforms have created spaces for mothers to connect, share experiences, and seek support. Yet, this digital visibility can also contribute to unrealistic expectations and comparison-driven anxiety (Walsh & Baker, 2020). The portrayal of “ideal motherhood” on platforms like Instagram can perpetuate pressures that undermine maternal confidence.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the visibility of the unpaid labour mothers contribute to households. Studies from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (2020) highlighted how mothers disproportionately took on home-schooling and domestic duties during lockdowns, further exposing gendered inequalities in caregiving roles.

Thoughtful Mother’s Day Ideas for Everyone

Mother’s Day is a chance to show love and gratitude to the women who raised or inspired us. From simple gestures to heartfelt acts, anyone can find a meaningful way to celebrate. These ideas are inclusive, whether you’re spending the day with your mum, honouring her memory, or appreciating a maternal figure in your life.

• Write a Heartfelt Letter: Write a heartfelt letter – a handwritten note can become a keepsake she’ll treasure.
• Prepare Her Favourite Meal: Cook her favourite meal or bake a treat.
• Spend Quality Time: Plan some quality time together – even a simple chat over a cup of tea can be a priceless gift.
• Acts of Kindness in Her Name: Perform an act of kindness in her name, such as helping someone or donating to a cause she cares about.
• Honour Her Memory: If your mum is no longer with you, honour her memory by lighting a candle or looking through old photos.
• Appreciate a Mother Figure: Celebrate a maternal figure – let someone who’s been like a mum know how much you care with a heartfelt gesture or call.

Mother’s Day is far more than a day of flowers and cards. It is a moment to reflect on the historical roots, cultural richness, emotional significance, and societal realities of motherhood. While the traditions may differ across cultures, the underlying value of recognising maternal influence remains universal. In modern society, where gender roles are continually being redefined, Mother’s Day serves as both a celebration and a call to action—to support, empower, and acknowledge mothers in all their forms. In doing so, we honour not just individual women, but the enduring foundation they provide for families and communities alike.

References:

Bowlby, J. (1969) Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. London: Hogarth Press.

Budig, M.J. and England, P. (2001) “The Wage Penalty for Motherhood”. American Sociological Review. 66(2), pp. 204–225.

Gough, M. and Noonan, M. (2013) “A Review of the Motherhood Wage Penalty in the United States’. Sociology Compass. 7(4), pp. 328–342.

Institute for Fiscal Studies (2020) How Are Mothers and Fathers Balancing Work and Family Under Lockdown? [Online]. Available at: https://ifs.org.uk. [Accessed 20 Mar. 2025].

Marks, L., Cherry, K. and Baumgartner, S. (2015) “Family Rituals and Psychological Wellbeing”. Journal of Family Psychology. 29(3), pp. 429–438.

Neimeyer, R. (2001) Meaning Reconstruction and the Experience of Loss. Washington: APA Books.

Office for National Statistics (2021) Families and the Labour Market. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk [Accessed 20 Mar. 2025].

Richards, C., Bouman, W.P., and Barker, M.J. (2017) Genderqueer and Non-Binary Genders. London: Palgrave.

Smith, A. and Thomas, R. (2021) “Inclusive Education and Commemorative Days: Navigating Emotions in the Classroom’. British Journal of Educational Studies. 69(4), pp. 475–493.

Walsh, J. and Baker, P. (2020) “Instagram and the Ideal Mother: Comparing Real Life to Online Narratives”. Journal of Media Psychology. 32(1), pp. 56–67.