Are you using a mother's day theme for any of your groups in the coming weeks? Depending on the populations you work with, you may be bringing up mother's day, or your client's may be bringing it up themselves.
Here are some themes and therapeutic directions that may arise, depending on the population you are working with:
Older Adults:
- Words of wisdom from mother that stayed with them through the years
- Saying goodbye to mother during the war/ leaving the country and leaving family behind
- Reminiscing on happy occasions with mother
- Reminiscing on becoming a mother/raising children
- What it's like to be a grandmother
Expectant Mothers/ New Mothers:
- Hopes, expectations, fears, etc... of becoming a mother
- Joys and challenges of being a new mother
- Reflecting on childhood and lessons they are taking with them
- Strained mother/child relationship
- Loss of mother/child and expression of grief.
I hope you can find at least one song from this list that might be relevant for your clients!
Enjoy!
1. Coat of Many Colours - Dolly Parton
Lyric: Momma sewed the rags together
Sewin' every piece with love
She made my coat of many colours
That I was so proud of
2. Mama - Spice Girls
Lyric: She used to be my only enemy and never let me be free
Catching me in places that I knew I shouldn't be
Every other day I crossed the line I didn't mean to be so bad
I never thought you would become the friend I never had
3. Mama Said - The Shirelles
Lyric: Mama said there'll be days like this
There'll be days like this, mama said
(Mama said, mama said)
4. I Turn to You - Christina Aguilera
Lyric: For a shield from the storm
For a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm
I turn to you
5. Dear Mama - 2Pac
Lyric: When I was young me and my mama had beef
Seventeen years old kicked out on the streets
Though back at the time, I never thought I'd see her face
Ain't a woman alive that could take my mama's place
6. Mama Liked the Roses - Elvis Presley
Lyric: Oh, mama liked the roses, she grew them in the yard
But winter always came around and made the growing way too hard
Oh, mama liked the roses and when she had the time
She'd decorate the living room, for all us kids to see
7. Mama Said - Metallica
Lyric: Mama she has taught me well
Told me when I was young
"Son your life's an open book,
Don't close it 'fore its done"
8. My Yiddeshe Momme - Willie Howard
Lyric: It wasn't much like Paradise but 'mid the dirt and all
There sat the sweetest angel, one that I fondly call
My yiddishe momme I need her more then ever now
My yiddishe momme I'd like to kiss that wrinkled brow
9. Like My Mother Does - Lauren Alaina
Lyric: I've got her spirit
She's always got my back
When I look at herI think, I want to be just like that
When I love I give it all I've gotLike my mother does
10. The Best Day - Taylor Swift
Lyric: I'm thirteen now
And don't know how
My friends could be so mean
I come home crying And you hold me tight
And grab the keys
11. The Perfect Fan - Backstreet Boys
Lyric: You showed me
When I was young just how to grow
You showed me
Everything that I should know
12. Mama Says - The Beach Boys
Lyric: Eat a lot sleep a lot brush em like crazy
Run a lot do a lot never be lazy
(Good boy)
13. The Wish - Bruce Springteen
Lyric: I remember in the morning, ma,
hearing your alarm clock ring
I'd lie in bed and listen to you gettin' ready for work
The sound of your makeup case on the sink
14. Good Mother - Jann Arden
Lyric: I've got money in my pocket
I like the color of my hair
I've got a friend who loves me
Got a house, I've got a car
I've got a good mother
And her voice is what keeps me here
15. MamaMia - Abba
Lyric: Mamamia, here I go again, my my, how can I resist you!?
3 Songs about Goodbyes & Loss on Mother's Day
1) We'll Meet Again - Vera Lynn
Lyric: We'll meet again
We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day
Keep smiling through
Just like you always do
Till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away
2) Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton
Lyric: Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?
I'll find my way through night and day
'Cause I know I just can't stay here in heaven
3) One Sweet Day - Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men
Lyric: Never had I imagined
Living without your smile
Feeling and knowing you hear meIt keeps me alive
Songwriting Intervention Idea - I Hope You Find Something to Love
Who: Expectant Mothers/New Mothers
What: Change the lyrics of the chorus to what they hope for their child.
"I hope you....._______
I hope you....._________"
This can be adapted for so many uses and populations! I hope you enjoy this find, and have a happy mother's day!