Happy early Mother’s Day to all mothers, grandmothers, and surrogate mothers who lovingly fill that role in someone’s life!
According to Hallmark, Mother’s Day is the third-largest card-sending holiday in the United States, ranking behind only Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Americans send an estimated 113 million Mother’s Day cards every year.
West Virginian Anna M. Jarvis is credited as the founder of Mother’s Day. When Jarvis was 41 years old, her mother died. On the second anniversary of her mother’s death, Jarvis publicly announced her plans to establish a day to honor mothers. The following year, (the second Sunday in May 1908), “mother’s day” church services were held in Grafton, WV.
Six years later, President Woodrow Wilson signed an official proclamation naming the second Sunday of May as a day for “public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”
Mothers often embody some of the best good teammate qualities. Here are ten times when mothers are good teammates:
1. When they put the team first.
Mothers selflessly prioritize the needs of their family above their own comfort, showing what it means to work toward the good of the whole team rather than focusing only on themselves.
2. When they encourage and support.
Good teammates build others up, and mothers do this constantly—through encouragement, reassurance, and believing in others even when confidence is low.
3. When they step in where needed.
Mothers are adaptable. Whether solving problems, filling gaps, or handling unexpected challenges, they do what the team needs in the moment.
4. When they create stability.
Every strong team needs someone dependable, and mothers often provide consistency, reliability, and emotional steadiness that helps everyone else function better.
5. When they teach.
Like a good teammate who helps others improve, mothers invest time and energy in teaching lessons, sharing wisdom, and getting others to be the best version of themselves.
6. When they show empathy.
Mothers are deeply attuned to the emotions and needs of others. That empathy helps build trust, strengthen relationships, and keep the team connected.
7. When they celebrate victories.
Mothers rejoice in the successes of others and help shoulder struggles during hard times—both essential qualities of good teammates.
8. When they facilitate growth.
Mothers believe in others often before they fully believe in themselves, offering the confidence and courage needed to take the sort of risks that lead to growth.
9. When they communicate and listen.
Good teammates don’t just speak; they listen. Mothers excel at noticing what is said and what is left unsaid, helping others feel heard, understood, and valued.
10. When they show love.
At the core of every strong team is care, and mothers lead with it. Their love creates a foundation of trust, belonging, and resilience—reminding everyone on the team that they matter, especially when it matters most.
In many ways, mothers personify the heart of teamwork: selflessness, encouragement, reliability, commitment, and love in action. Be sure to thank them for this on Sunday!
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
