Happy Mother's Day!

A Mother’s Love

A mother’s role matters in all aspects of a child’s life. There are several studies which discuss the importance of a mother’s love. It’s all about the relationship that can have many long term benefits.

The following are just 4 reasons why a Mommy’s love makes such a difference:

1. A recent study published in the Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences Journal found that children who received a lot of love and affection from their mothers have bigger hippocampus. The portion of the brain that is responsible for learning, memory and response to stress.


2. Research conducted by scientists from the University of British Columbia, Canada found that children who received an abundant amount of ‘maternal warmth’ as children, regardless of their socio-economic status, are less prone to certain illnesses in their adult years. This ‘maternal warmth’ creates in the child a sense of wellbeing and self worth so that as they grow up they are less prone to depression and feelings of low self esteem. (Journal of Molecular Psychiatry, 2010)

3. A mother’s relationship with their son when he was a child can make a difference in their teen years. Young boys who experienced a lot of conflict with their mothers were more likely to engage in delinquent behavior as teens. However, boys who had a close relationship with their mothers were more likely to have a better relationship with their best friends during their teen years. (Journal of Child Development, 2011)

4. Research from the United Kingdom shows that the way mothers talk to their children at a young age influences their social skills later in childhood. The study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, found that children whose mothers often talked to them about people's feelings, beliefs, wants and intentions developed better social understanding than children whose mothers did not.

It’s incredible the role a mother plays in a child’s development. Remember, it’s not about quantity of time but quality of time. Everything you do and say to your child matters and develops their character.

I often hear from mother’s who have children in college, that it seemed liked yesterday when they were toddlers. The time goes by fast. So appreciate the moments, appreciate what your children are doing right (and what you are doing right too!), and most importantly always communicate the message that they are unconditionally loved and accepted.

1 Corinthians 13:4 -"Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrong doing. It does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres."

Happy Mother’s Day!

Dr. Nina