Ancient Egyptians had the right idea. Repay your mother for all her care. Give her as much bread as she needs, and carry her as she carried you…
There’s also evidence that if children wanted an inheritance, particularly sons, they were expected to love and honor their mothers. Ahem….
In Slender Reeds; Jochebed’s Hope, we meet Nefertari, wife of Ramses and mother of between six and nine children (depends on source). Statues and images show her leading her royal children in rituals and festivals and teaching them to honor the Egyptian gods. But some royal mothers had additional influence.
When Ramses became Pharaoh, following tradition, his mother, Tuya, became his advisor and served as a political correspondent protecting his interests at home when he was away on campaigns. Advisor to the most powerful man in the world…her son.
“The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” (William Ross Wallace).
