Twenty, thirty and forty years ago, mothers were different. They did not watch “Desperate Housewives” but “Dynasty,” and instead of “M jak Miłość” — “Czterdziestolatek”.

There were no unemployed mothers then. There were housewives or mothers who returned home at 3:00 p.m. after work to cook dinner. Mothers did not queue for benefits and did not lose their jobs at the age of 50, when nobody wanted to employ them anymore. Nor did they have problems returning to work after maternity leave.

There were no mothers who thought of their ordinary housework as a second job. A job valued at over PLN 2,500 per month (data from the book “Unpaid Women’s Work” by Titkow, Duch-Krzystoszek and Budrowska).

There were no Euro-mothers working in Germany, England or Ireland. Coming to their children for holidays and free weekends. Or leaving for another country together with them.

There were no business mothers managing large companies or their own businesses. Supporting the entire family and earning more than their husbands.

There were no feminist mothers, aware of their strength as women, fighting for equal rights for their own sex, marching in Manifa demonstrations and studying gender (the socio-cultural identity of sex).

There were not as many divorced mothers who decided to end their marriages themselves. Allowing themselves to leave a relationship they considered unattractive.

There were not as many mothers overwhelmed by a million ideas about how to raise their children. Getting lost in the advice and recommendations of various education and child-rearing specialists.

There were not as many mothers leaving their children with caregivers so they could have fun, enjoy themselves or relax. In accordance with the principle that the best mother is a happy and carefree mother.

There were no cyber-mothers looking online for ways to achieve successful parenting or choosing their method of childbirth and antenatal classes

There were not as many mothers who wanted to teach their children one or two languages so they could do better in their professional lives.

There were not as many mothers who today often share their responsibilities with fathers — partners learning a different approach to their role and devoting as much time to their children as mothers do. Sometimes even replacing them.

Only one thing has not changed. Then and now, mothers are the most important and wonderful people in their children’s lives. Time passes, the world and everything around us changes. But a mother’s arms always remain just as warm, soothing and safe.

To all mothers, modern and traditional, on their special day I send my warmest wishes for happiness and health.

(information: Grażyna Hanaf)