Mother’s Day
Honouring the Selfless Devotion of Mums in the UK
Whilst we have Mother's Day as a special occasion when we take the time to express our love and gratitude towards the incredible women who have dedicated their lives to raising us. In the United Kingdom, this day is celebrated on different dates each year, falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent. It is a time to reflect on the selflessness, tireless efforts, and unwavering love that mothers provide. In this blog, we will delve into the invaluable role of mums, backed by studies that highlight their commitment to their children and partners. Additionally, we'll explore a unique and thoughtful gift idea to make this Mother's Day memorable BUT WAIT......Mothers should be celebrated ALL YEAR ROUND! Let's take a little look at a mothers role shall we. As a newborn photographer in Hertfordshire I get to meet a lot of mums and the truth shines bright. We are taken for granted!
The Selfless Devotion of Mothers:
Motherhood is a journey filled with immense love, joy, and sacrifice. Countless studies have shown that mothers invest a tremendous amount of time and energy in nurturing their children and supporting their development. Research conducted by the University of Oxford reveals that mothers in the UK spend an average of 23 hours per week directly engaging with their children, participating in activities such as playing, reading, and helping with homework. This dedication showcases the unwavering commitment of mums to creating a nurturing environment for their little ones. Thats not including all the caring for them and the family that generally still falls to a mother.
Furthermore, studies have highlighted the significant role of mothers in maintaining a harmonious family life. According to a survey conducted by the Marriage Foundation, mothers in the UK spend an average of 27 hours per week on household chores and caring for their families, compared to an average of 10 hours for fathers. This selflessness allows their partners to focus on their careers and supports the overall well-being of the family unit. It is evident that mums play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the household, often going above and beyond to meet the needs of everyone around them.
So we are already hitting 50 hours on average per week without any self care.
Honouring Mums on Mother's Day and ALL DAYS:
Whilst Mother's Day is the perfect occasion to show appreciation for the incredible women in our lives. While gifts and gestures of gratitude are always appreciated, it is equally important to acknowledge the emotional and physical efforts that mums put in day in and day out. One thing a mother generally doesn't tend to get is pictures of her with her children, especially candid ones. So book her a photoshoot with her kids! Contact me to book a walk in the park session - these are not advertised as such but will be priced same as a mini session, so just get in touch.
If its raining, bring a colourful brollie and rock the wellies - its about capturing fun and what is more fun that puddle jumping for a kid! Life is for living and celebrating. Time is so fleeting so please capture as much of it as possible!
What is the average amount of time UK mothers spend directly engaging with their children each week?Â
According to research conducted by the University of Oxford, UK mothers spend an average of 23 hours per week directly engaging with their children. This includes activities such as playing, reading, and helping with homework. This statistic highlights the significant amount of time and effort that mothers dedicate to nurturing and supporting their children's development.
Direct engagement includes various activities such as playing games, reading books, helping with homework, engaging in creative projects, and having meaningful conversations with their children. These interactions provide opportunities for mothers to bond with their children, offer guidance, and create a nurturing environment.
The study also found that the amount of time spent directly engaging with children varied depending on factors such as the age of the child and the mother's employment status. For instance, mothers with younger children tended to spend more time engaging with them, while mothers who were employed full-time may have slightly less time available for direct engagement.
The significant amount of time that UK mothers dedicate to directly engaging with their children showcases their commitment to their children's well-being and development. It reflects the selfless devotion and love that mothers have for their children, as they prioritiSe spending quality time with them despite their other responsibilities and commitments.
This research emphasises the vital role that mothers play in shaping their children's lives and nurturing their potential. It also reinforces the importance of recognising and appreciating the efforts and sacrifices that mothers make on a daily basis. Mother's Day serves as a special occasion to express gratitude and honour the selfless devotion of mothers in the UK and around the world.
What are some activities that fall under direct engagement between UK mothers and their children? Direct engagement activities between UK mothers and their children can vary depending on factors such as the child's age, interests, and the mother's own preferences. Here are some common activities that fall under direct engagement:
1. Playtime: Mothers often engage in playtime activities with their children, which can include playing with toys, board games, puzzles, or engaging in imaginative play. This allows mothers to bond with their children and promote their cognitive, social, and emotional development.
2. Reading: Mothers frequently read books to their children, helping them develop literacy skills, expand their vocabulary, and ignite their imagination. Reading together also fosters a love for books and learning.
3. Homework and Learning Support: Mothers provide assistance and guidance to their children with schoolwork and homework assignments. This involves explaining concepts, reviewing lessons, and helping with problem-solving. This support encourages academic growth and boosts confidence.
4. Arts and Crafts: Engaging in creative activities like drawing, painting, crafting, or building projects allows mothers and children to explore their creativity together. These activities promote fine motor skills, self-expression, and imaginative thinking.
5. Outdoor Activities: Mothers often take their children outdoors for activities such as going to the park, cycling, hiking, or playing sports. These activities help children stay active, develop gross motor skills, and enjoy the natural environment.
6. Cooking and Baking: Involving children in cooking or baking activities allows mothers to spend quality time together while teaching important life skills. Children can learn about nutrition, measurement, and following instructions while bonding with their mother.
7. Conversations and Storytelling: Engaging in meaningful conversations and storytelling helps mothers connect with their children on a deeper level. It allows them to share experiences, discuss emotions, and provide guidance and support.
8. Family Time: Spending quality time together as a family is an important aspect of direct engagement. This can include activities such as family outings, game nights, movie nights, or simply having meals together.
These activities not only promote learning and development but also strengthen the mother-child bond. It's important to note that the activities can vary based on individual preferences, cultural background, and the unique interests of the child and mother.
What skills do reading together with children help develop?
Reading together with children helps develop a wide range of skills that are essential for their overall development. Here are some key skills that reading together promotes:
1. Language and Vocabulary Development: Reading exposes children to a variety of words, sentence structures, and language patterns. It helps them expand their vocabulary and develop a deeper understanding of language. They learn new words, their meanings, and how to use them in context.
2. Literacy Skills: Reading together introduces children to the world of letters, words, and sentences. They learn about phonics, letter recognition, and the sounds associated with them. This helps build the foundation for reading and writing skills.
3. Comprehension Skills: Reading together allows children to practice their comprehension skills. They learn to understand and interpret the meaning of the text, make connections, and infer information. This enhances critical thinking and analytical abilities.
4. Imagination and Creativity: Reading stimulates children's imagination and creativity. They explore different worlds, characters, and scenarios through books, which encourages them to think creatively and engage their imagination.
5. Concentration and Focus: Reading requires children to concentrate and focus on the story. It helps improve their attention span and ability to stay engaged in an activity for a longer period.
6. Emotional and Social Development: Reading together helps children understand emotions, relationships, and social interactions through the characters and storylines. They learn about empathy, compassion, and how to navigate social situations.
7. Cognitive Development: Reading stimulates cognitive development by exposing children to new ideas, concepts, and information. It enhances their memory, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive abilities.
8. Bonding and Communication: Reading together strengthens the bond between children and their parents. It provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations, discussions about the story, and sharing thoughts and feelings. This improves communication skills and nurtures the parent-child relationship.
Reading together is a valuable activity that not only enhances language and literacy skills but also fosters a love for books, learning, and personal growth. It creates a positive and nurturing environment for children to develop various skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
TBC as part of my mothers in focus series
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