Happy Mother's Day

How many "mothers" are in your life? On Mother's Day it can be helpful to realize that the term "mother" can apply to a woman other than a biological parent; to any woman in your life who fulfilled the main social role in raising you or who played a significant role in your development (e.g., mental, emotional, physical, spiritual).  According to the US Census Bureau, there may be close to 83 million mothers of all ages in this country. And many of them work both inside and outside the home (currently more women than males are employed in the US. Studies have shown that there are some things mothers are more likely to provide for their children (as compared with fathers). For example, mothers are more likely to encourage assimilative and communion-enhancing patterns in their children, acknowledge their children's contributions in conversation, and to speak in ways better suited to support very young children in their efforts to understand speech (in the context of English)--all good for your brain! Affirm the contributions your "mothers" have made in your life. You have learned something from each one.