Dear Clients and Friends of The Columbus Nanny Agency,

One thing I love about my work with The Columbus Nanny Agency is that I connect with mothers on a daily basis.  Because we will be celebrating “our” day this weekend, I wanted to share some reflections with you.

In 1872, Julia Ward Howe organized a day for mothers dedicated to peace. It is a landmark in the history of Mother's Day.  In 1907, Anna Jarvis began a movement for a national Mother’s Day as a way to honor her own mother.  In 1914, President Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Ms. Howe is best known for writing the poem “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” but she was also an author, preacher, teacher, activist and the mother of six children.  Learning about the non-commercial history of Mother’s Day has motivated me to share with you some thoughts about the role mothers play in world peace…

·    “If help and salvation are to come, they can only come from the children, for the children are the makers of men.”  Maria Montessori

·    Find a parenting group or class to join.  My husband David and I participated in Redirecting Children’s Behavior.  It is offered by the International Network for Children and Families (www.incaf.com)---their motto is “peace begins at home.”  Cynthia Reinacher was our nanny at the time and she attended with us.  Since joining that class in 2004, David and I now meet monthly with our parenting group.  The Art of Positive Parenting (TAPP) is offered at many locations in Columbus (www.actionforchildren.org).

·    Teach your children that they are an important part of their community: at home, at school, in the neighborhood, in the world.  Spend time learning about other cultures and giving to those less fortunate.  Have family meetings and take your children’s ideas seriously.

·    “If we wish to create a lasting peace we must begin with the children.” Mahatma Gandhi

·    Don’t miss the GEMs of daily life.  A GEM is a Genuine Encounter Moment.  If your son is excited to show you the ladybug he found, don’t squash his spirit by telling him how busy you are.  Share the GEM and realize that the 30 seconds of connecting with your child will let him know he is valued and will teach him to value others.  Sharing GEMs also strengthens your relationship with your child.

·    Create peace at home.  Pause before you react to the spilled milk.  Do deep breathing exercises.  Try not to yell.  Laugh more.