Mothers and Motherhood, we seldom take time to really think about how much truth there is in William Ross Wallace's poem The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Is The Hand That Rules The World. There are countless other adages, but the truth is mothers have a powerful influence over who we become.

With Mother's Day just around the corner it is time to think about mothers and motherhood. In an article published in May 2005 it was reported that researchers conducted a study by, "a 12-member team of social science researchers convened by the Mothers' Council and Motherhood Project, based at the Institute for American Values, and was implemented in partnership with the University of Minnesota and the University of Connecticut. Staff at Connecticut's Center for Survey Research and Analysis conducted the survey." Source: University of Minnesota UMN News.

The study titled "The Motherhood Study--Fresh Insights on Mothers' Attitudes and Concerns", included more than 2000 mom's from across the USA. They were of different ages, races, income, education, marital status, and ethnic and employment backgrounds. Not surprisingly it was found that "Mothers reported strikingly high levels of satisfaction, both with their overall lives as mothers--with 97 percent saying they are 'very' or 'somewhat' satisfied...". You can read the full article.

Some may be shocked that it was found that 97 percent, not 100 percent of the mothers were very or somewhat satisfied. Some may even be shocked by the "somewhat satisfied" response. At one time I am may have been, but no longer, although I am not a birth mother I know that daily parenting is not an easy task.

I recall that a friend told me there was much surprise when she cried about something. Why? Because she had always made it her business to be strong and to never allow her children to see her cry. Have you noticed how often athletes yell out "Hi Mom" when they are caught in a candid moment on television? Or that Presidents of the United States of America almost universally say their mother's were highly influential in their attaining their high office?

There is a reason for that. Happy Mother's Day.