The Importance of Mothers

I know the card’s funny because despite what our kids think, it is rarely true. Kids are hard work. We get moments of joy and pride but on average, parents and especially mums are taken for granted. Mums come in all shapes and sizes. No two mums are the same. Our experience of our mums is very different and it is hard to write about mums without making unhelpful broad sweeping generalisations. Some mums are fantastic carers, some are highly successful professionals. Many are both. One thing that all mums seem to have in common is that they are multi-taking super wizards who always have their hands full. Their work never stops and most often they work to support everyone other than themselves. Whilst I agree that it is the duty of mothers and fathers to take the best possible care of their family (tasks performed endlessly and usually happily), children need to realise that they do not live with a robot. That is why the students of St Francis were encouraged to take some time to show their appreciation of their mums, grandmothers and influential women in their lives this weekend. Hopefully you were shown some expression of how invaluable you are in your young person’s life. A moment of gratitude.

A huge thank you to all the mums, grandmothers, teachers and women who are significant in the lives of our school community for what you do. You are priceless and despite the fact that it seems like a largely thankless job, your work really does matter and it does pay off. My 30 years of experience as an educator tells me that children who have experienced the strong love of influential women are far more likely to be happy and successful. If attendance at our Mother’s Day liturgy on Friday is any indication, the students of St Francis are in good hands.

Gratefully yours- Simon