The mother relationship is often seen developmentally as our most significant in terms of our emotional development through childhood. Mothers' Day is a day to give thanks to the woman that birthed us, but for many people, this relationship is complex and often-times  challenging and problematic. Mother figures can tend beyond our biological mother, to adopted mothers, other women in our family or friend circles, teachers, or even men that become a nourishing and compassionate ally for young people.
Hamish Coleman-Ross and psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald explore the attributes of a good mother including compassion, unconditional love and providing security.
With thanks to NZ on Air.