MOTHER’S DAY ALTERNATIVE

The commercial world gains as mothers and fathers are remembered and families celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. In this time of change we are all aware of the thousands of families whose structure does not include a mother or father. The world of commerce pushes many children into needless grieving on these days. As a teacher I became acutely aware of this when, in my class of 23, there were nine de-structured families, with the children from these families suffering over the advertising, card making and competitions foisted on them. Surely the time has come to recognise the diversity of parenting and acknowledge the foster parents and grandparents who bring up children in this country. We could drop the current commercially driven days and have one Caregiver’s Day. This could also recognise those who care for the elderly, the sick and all who give care to others.