LivingwithKids

...allowing your child to have the biggest ice-cream in the world because you couldn't resist those eyes. ...staying in the shade on a gorgeous sunny day because your child has such sensitive skin. ...knowing that precious moments like this will remain etched in your heart forever. What does Motherhood mean to you?

*This is my entry for the Gallery - the theme this week is Motherhood. To see more or add your own entry, click here

In yesterday's Times there was an article by Andrew Billen in which he asserts that 40-year-old women (like his own wife) make better mums because they are calmer, they have achieved what they wanted to in work, and they are more mature. 'Motherhood is often wasted on the young, whose attention is often directed elsewhere.'

Hogwash. Personally I believe age has nothing to do with how good a mum you'll be. I know plenty of mums in their 40s who really struggled with the idea they had to put another human being first, and others who complain of being constantly knackered. And I know mums in their teens and 20s and 30s who are fantastic, natural mothers.

But I'd love to know what you think. Do 40-year-olds really make better mums, or is age just a number?

I don’t usually watch adverts (thank you Sky+) but last night I happened to hear one of my favourite all time tracks, Billy Joel’s She's Always A Woman, blaring out while I was in the kitchen and I had to go and have a look at the ad (which is for John Lewis ).

And within about 10 seconds flat it had reduced me to tears. I've spoken to a few friends about it and they've had the same reaction. So I've been trying to work out why.

Is it because the woman’s ‘life story’ as depicted in the ad reminds us of our own mothers and the incredible journey they’ve been on, or is it because it reminds us of our own experiences as parents?

Whatever, it makes me blub like a big baby. If you haven’t seen it, have a look and tell me what you think. (Probably best viewed when you’re alone, if you don’t want people to think you’re soppy. *Cough*)

OK, so these awards aren't going to be on TV and there won't be a phone vote, either. But I'm thrilled to have been asked to be a judge for the the MADS, the new parent blog awards.

I've been mummy blogging for nearly a year now (it's coming up to my blogoversary - more on that story later) and to be honest, I don't know how we're going to choose the winners of these awards, there are so many incredible blogs out there.

And if you're thinking of starting a blog, whatever you do, don't watch Motherhood, starring Uma Thurman, which is an unrealistic, trite and patronising portrayal of a) blogging and b) motherhood. Don't say I didn't warn you.