While flowers and chocolates are common on Mother’s Day, sage advice from experienced mothers may be the more valuable gift for those new to the mothering role. And Bernadette Bartholomew from St John’s Villa New Lambton in Newcastle knows a thing or six to share about motherhood!
Bernadette is the mother of six children, consisting of four sons and two daughters, and she has been blessed with nine grandchildren, which include five grandsons and four granddaughters.
‘My children and grandchildren are the best part of my life, and I truly cherish every moment I spend with them,’ she said.
How has the role of motherhood evolved over time?
‘Mothering has changed a lot over the years. When I was raising my children, things were simpler but also tougher in some ways. We did not have all the gadgets, parenting books, or online advice that mums have today. We relied on instinct, experience, and support from family or neighbours.
Children were expected to be respectful, help around the house, and play outside until the streetlights came on. There was not much fuss about screen time because there were no screens! Today, I see young mothers juggling so many expectations—balancing work, home, and parenting while facing pressure from social media and society.
Parenting has become more structured, and children’s feelings are given a lot more attention, which is a good thing. But I do feel that sometimes there is too much pressure to be the "perfect parent." I admire how involved fathers are these days and how parenting is more shared. It is different, but at the end of the day, the love and care for your children is what really matters—and that has not changed,’ said Bernadette.
‘Make time for the people you love. One day, you will look back and realise the little things were actually the big things.’ Bernadette Bartholomew
Any advice you can give the young mothers of today?
‘My advice to young mothers today is to slow down and trust yourselves. You know your children better than anyone else, so do not let the noise of the world make you doubt your instincts. There is no such thing as a perfect mother—just a loving one who does her best each day. Spend time with your children, really listen to them, and do not worry so much about having a spotless house or the latest baby gadgets. Children will not remember the mess; they will remember the moments you shared, the stories you told, and the comfort of your arms.
Take care of yourself too—you cannot pour from an empty cup. And remember, it is okay to ask for help. We were not meant to do this alone. Most of all, enjoy the journey. The days may feel long, but the years go by so quickly. Before you know it, your little ones will be grown, and you will treasure every hug, every laugh, and even the tears,’ said Bernadette.
A precious memory of motherhood
‘One of my most precious memories of motherhood is the simple joy of bedtime stories. Every night, I would gather my children around, and we would snuggle up together while I read to them. Sometimes they would fall asleep halfway through the story, and I would just sit there quietly, listening to their soft breathing and feeling so much love in my heart. I remember one rainy afternoon when all six of them were home—there was laughter, toys scattered everywhere, and the smell of something baking in the oven. It was chaotic, but it was beautiful. That memory always reminds me that the most special moments are often the little ones—the everyday love, the hugs, the laughter, and just being together,’ she said.
One last thing…
‘I have lived through many seasons of life, and if there is one thing I have come to believe, it is that family is everything. The love of my children and grandchildren has brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined. Life has not always been easy, but it has been full—and for that, I am grateful. I would just like to say to the younger generation: take your time, do not rush through life. Make time for the people you love. One day, you will look back and realise the little things were actually the big things. Hug your children often, speak kindly, and be proud of every step,’ Bernadette said. (As told to St John’s Villa Lifestyle Coordinator, Aymon Jones. Story and picture credit: Aymon Jones)
Five fun facts about Mother’s Day
- The tradition of Mother’s Day harks back to Ancient Greece where a festival honoured Rhea, the "mother of the gods," symbolising female fertility, motherhood, and the passing of one generation to another.
- Other early cultures, including the Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and Indians, also celebrated motherhood. They honoured figures like Roman Goddess, Cybele, the Egyptian queen of the pharaohs, Isis, the ‘Chinese mother of mankind’, Nuwa, and the Indian mother figure, Durga.
- The Australian tradition of Mother’s Day emerged in the 1920s, thanks to Janet Heyden from Leichhardt in Sydney. Heyden started giving gifts to mothers at Newington State Home to brighten their lives. Her initiative grew, and by 1954, the custom of honouring mothers with gifts on Mother's Day had become widespread in Australia.
- The first formal Mother’s Day was held in 1908 and was initially intended as a way to honour mothers for their peacemaking efforts. Its founder, Anna Jarvis, later tried to abolish the holiday due to its commercialisation.
- The words ‘Momma’ and ‘Mamma’ are found around the world in different languages and many linguists believe both words are derived from the sound babies and toddlers make when they are not able to form full sentences yet, such as, ma, ma.
