EDITOR’S LETTER

May has become one of my favourite issues every year, because of our focus on Mother’s Day. I’ve been a mother for a long time now – 13 years – so it’s not a new theme for me personally. Likewise, I have not discovered that elusive work-life balance that is so regularly a topic of discussion. But I have learnt a few things along the way, often through creating or reading these pages.

I’ve learnt that motherhood is not a requirement of mothering. To me, motherhood is about so much more than who gave birth. I’ve learnt that motherly love is infinite and that you can love children you bring into your family later in life in the exact way you love your own, and without favour. I’ve learnt that teenage nephews need less mothering when they live with you than you might think.

The joy of seeing staff members – some of whom have worked with me for many years and you will meet in this issue (see page 116) – become mothers themselves is as gratifying as being one. I’ve also learnt that even mothers sometimes need a bit of mothering and a woman need not have given birth to qualify for that job. In fact, some of the best mothers never did.

I’ve also learnt it’s important for our children to have role models they can look up to and be both inspired and guided by.

It feels fitting, then, that we have Rihanna for our May cover, a woman who is both fearless and influential. Off the back of her hugely successful music career Rihanna has forged her Fenty fashion and beauty empire and has also empowered women by celebrating diversity and showing that confidence comes in all shapes, skin types and sizes.

But it’s not just little girls who should be taking note. As Amelia Lester writes (see page 110), raising a son to be kind, compassionate and show emotion today can be just as challenging.

Whatever you choose to reflect upon this Mother’s Day, I hope it’s a special one. Enjoy the issue.