Mother’s Day can be tough for those whose mums aren’t around, and for those who want to be mums and who aren’t yet, or can’t be. But it’s a huge opportunity for empathy. That doesn’t mean you don’t have to celebrate motherhood, just take the time to acknowledge it isn’t the same for everyone.

A FRIEND IN NEED

Remember to tell any of your friends who are struggling at this time of year, that you’re there if they need you. Last year, scrolling through Facebook on Mother’s Day, I saw a post from a friend just saying ‘I miss my mum’. I’m lucky to have my mum around still and I hadn’t even considered what it must be like for her. I called to check she was OK and we had a chat. She told me some funny stories about her mum in her wild youth.

NOT ‘JUST A MUM’

It made me realise Mother’s Day is also a good opportunity to remember your mum is not ‘just a mum’. She’s a woman who may have got drunk, broken hearts, had disappointments, joys – if you don’t already know, ask – and listen.

And look after each other. What makes a great mum also makes a great friend: unconditional love, patience and comfort. We can all be that.

Follow writer and performer Bernadette at BernadetteRussell.com or @betterussell

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Read more Bernadette Russell: How to be kind to everyone and how to be kind online