To mark Mother’s Day this weekend (Sunday 14^th March), Pandora asked 1,000 mothers across the UK how motherhood makes them feel, as well as what it is that their children can do to make them feel the most appreciated as a mother.

When asked how motherhood makes them feel, pride was the most popular emotion (44%) followed by happiness (37%).

How motherhood makes you feel:

• Proud – 44%
• Happy – 37%
• Loved – 35%

This supports what mothers see as the most powerful thing about motherhood, with 48% saying it is the love they have for their child followed by watching their child grow up.

The most powerful thing about motherhood:

• The love you have for your child – 48%
• Watching my child(ren) grow up – 18%
• Bringing a new life into the world – 9%

Looking at how motherhood has impacted other personality traits, women in the UK say it has made them more emotional (81%), yet less selfish (65%).

Mother’s Day is set to be a little different this year, with the UK under coronavirus restrictions. However, Mother’s Day gifting is likely to remain the same – most commonly celebrated with the giving of or receiving a card (66%) and by giving or receiving a gift (50%).

The top ways those in the UK celebrate Mother’s Day are:

• Giving / receiving a card 66%
• Giving / receiving gifts 50%
• Meal cooked by children / partner / other family member 28%
• Going on an experience 17%
• Engaging in outdoor activities 13%

However, when thinking of what to give your mum this Mother’s Day, sometimes a simple hug and some quality time can prove most important to mums.

The survey revealed that receiving a hug or kiss upon greeting came out top (73%) in the list of things which make mothers feel most loved (which will hopefully be ‘allowed’ for those not living together, or bubbled up, from mid-June), followed by spending quality one on one time together (69%) and turning to them as their first port of call if their child(ren) are sad / ill (67%). Being able to provide support if their child(ren) are upset or feeling stressed (64%) and regularly checking in (61%) round up the top five actions that would make UK mothers feel most loved.

On March 8th just in time for Mother’s Day, there was a small change to the coronavirus rules – people can now meet one-on-one outside in public spaces. Up until this date people have been able to meet up only for exercise. As socialising is now also allowed, why not grab a coffee and have a chat on a park bench or even organise her a little picnic, weather dependent, to get that quality one-on-one time together on this special day.

Whilst not everyone can see their mums in person this Mother’s Day, there are certainly other ways to show mums they’re loved. That involves scouring for the best mothers day gift ideas, being creative, and finally taking the time to send a gift. Here is what some mothers across the country love most about being a mum and celebrating Mother’s Day.

What do you love most about being a mum?

Emma, 27, Birmingham – “Watching my children grow into beautiful little people, watching them learn and knowing that I am their safe place, the person they rely on. I love that I can do ‘childish’ things again, without looking silly, like being able to play on soft play again! Children bring so much magic to our lives, how they believe in things like Christmas time. No day is ever the same!”

Jo, 46, Warwickshire – “The spontaneous ‘I love you so much mummy’ and a huge cuddle”

Claire, 48, West Midlands – “The things I love most about being a mum myself have got to be looking at my children and thinking “did I actually make these wonderful, beautiful individuals?”. Watching them all grow in their different ways and seeing them all happy, is the best thing ever.”

What do you love most about Mother’s Day?

Emma, 27, Birmingham – “I love how on Mother’s Day, I get a day where I’m shown so much love, and show love to my own mum of course. But I feel appreciated. I get a lie in (hopefully) and I don’t have to cook for once!”

Jo, 46, Warwickshire – “On Mother’s Day, I love a handmade card and the fact the children are excited it’s mother day, wanting to try my new bath bomb in peace and the children piling in with me ? I also enjoy giving myself the day off any household chores- I’ve earned it.”

Claire, 48, West Midlands – “I love being able to make my mum feel special, on Mother’s Day. No one has one as special as mine.”

Don’t forget to show all the powerful mums or mums to be in your life a little appreciation this Sunday (14th March)!