Mother* says, every day is Mother’s day.
*enat means mother in Ethiopia - the birthplace of our drink. To celebrate Mother’s Day, we interviewed five incredible women about motherhood. Here, they share their honest reflections.
Mara, mother of two
Mara Say's
How many children do you have?
Two. A 4 year-old and a 1 year-old. I’m boss but the 1 year-old has notes.
What have you learned from your children that has changed you the most?
I see my own mother in a whole new light now. We overthink everything and toddler logic is often way smarter. I always had patience, but now I understand what it’s for. Social conditioning starts the day they’re born and the hardest work is my own unlearning. They mirror everything, especially how I treat myself. I’ve learned I can feel wildly incompatible emotions all at the same time. Oh and noise cancelling headphones are amazing.
What is the most important thing you have tried to teach your children?
To always acknowledge people working service jobs with kindness and gratitude.To love their brown skin and curls. That being compassionate, shy, wild, curious, loud, kind - or whatever they are .. can be a superpower.And that love isn’t a reward for good behaviour. They are loved unconditionally.
What part of motherhood do you think is the most underrated or misunderstood?
All of it!! This shit is hard. It’s constant, invisible project management.
What has been the greatest reward of being a mother?
Just watching them unfold in real time. It’s wild. I love it so much
What are you most proud of as a mother?
I’m proud of my Haitian family history and I’m happy my kids are part of that now too.
How do you prefer to celebrate Mother’s Day?
Alone. On a beach. Don’t call unless there’s blood or sirens :)
Alexandra, mother of three
Alexandra Say's
How many children do you have?
I have 3 boys.
What have you learned from your children that has changed you the most?
That being present is the absolute most important thing to create a sense of security.
What is the most important thing you have tried to teach your children?
To respect their elders, say thank you for rides/food, and give lots of hugs.
What part of motherhood do you think is the most underrated or misunderstood?
Don’t listen to all the other parents when it’s not necessary—listen to your heart instead.
What has been the greatest reward of being a mother?
Watching your own little ones grow up and become their own individuals with thoughts, movements, moods, and so much more—that’s amazing.
What are you most proud of as a mother?
That I listen to my children, try to understand their feelings, and always try to be there for them no matter what has happened.
How do you prefer to celebrate Mother’s Day?
With a thousand hugs.
Rashida, mother of one
Rashida Say's
How many children do you have?
I have one beloved child – my son. He is the joy of my heart and the greatest gift of my life.
What have you learned from your children that has changed you the most?
I’ve learned that love doesn’t require perfection. He has shown me that even when I’m tired, vulnerable, or don’t feel enough, I am still the best mother for him. That realization has healed me more than anything else.
What is the most important thing you have tried to teach your children?
That he is valuable, just as he is. That his voice matters, and that kindness and respect are strengths, not weaknesses.
What part of motherhood do you think is the most underrated or misunderstood?
The silent struggle – carrying worry, guilt, dreams, and hope in your heart every day without showing it on the outside. Many see the practical side, but not the emotional labor taking place in every mother’s soul.
What has been the greatest reward of being a mother?
Feeling his little arms around my neck and knowing that I am his safe place. Watching him grow and thrive, despite everything life has thrown our way.
What are you most proud of as a mother?
That I’ve never given up. Despite my own pain, setbacks, and tears, I’ve kept going, kept loving, and stayed strong – for him.
How do you prefer to celebrate Mother’s Day?
We don’t celebrate a specific day for Mother’s Day. We believe every day is Mother’s Day.
Eva, mother of three
Eva Say's
How many children do you have?
I have three children.
What have you learned from your children that has changed you the most?
I’ve probably changed over the years and with each of my children.
But the most important thing I’ve learned is that my children always come first, and I would truly do anything for them. Without them, life would feel pretty meaningless.
What is the most important thing you have tried to teach your children?
The most important thing I’ve always taught and talked to my children about is the Golden Rule:
Treat others the way you want to be treated. That alone goes a long way.
What part of motherhood do you think is the most underrated or misunderstood?
That it would get easier with each child. But every child is their own person with different needs.
What has been the greatest reward of being a mother?
The reward has been—and still is—to see how my children have grown into kind, decent human beings.
And not least, my six grandchildren.
What are you most proud of as a mother?
I’m most proud of the fact that all three of my children love spending time across generations.
We’ve always done that, and it makes me proud and happy to see it continue.
How do you prefer to celebrate Mother’s Day?
I prefer to celebrate Mother’s Day with all of my children, of course — even if it can be tricky to gather everyone. Hugs and some sparkling wine are more than enough—better than gifts.
Cornelia, mother of four
Cornelia Say's
How many children do you have?
Four children – two daughters and two sons.
What have you learned from your children that has changed you the most?
That I am good enough as I am – and that sometimes, I’m a bit too firm (according to the kids).
What is the most important thing you have tried to teach your children?
That no matter what happens, they can always reach out to me.
What part of motherhood do you think is the most underrated or misunderstood?
You can never give your children too much love – and sometimes, it’s okay to “spoil” them a little.
What has been the greatest reward of being a mother?
Watching them grow and develop into the amazing individuals they are.
What are you most proud of as a mother?
That I’ve received my wisdom and knowledge from my own mother, and passed it on to my children.
How do you prefer to celebrate Mother’s Day?
With a nice dinner and cake at home with my family.