MOTHER'S Day is a time to celebrate that special woman in your life but, according to figures released this week by relationships charity Relate, a many admit that their relationship with our mum could be better.

According to a YouGov poll of over 5,000 people across the UK before Mother's Day this Sunday, just over half - 53% - of people living in the south and east of England say they have a ‘very good’ relationship with their mum and almost a quarter - 24% - describe theirs as ‘fairly good’.*

But despite this largely positive picture, 11% describe their relationship with their mother as ‘average’, five per cent describe it as ‘fairly bad’ and two per cent describe it as ‘very bad’.

Kimberley Wall, of Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon, believes there is room for at least a little improvement in all relationships.

She said: “It’s wonderful that, in the south of England, it is common for people to have a strong relationship with their mum.

"However, no relationship is perfect and/or if you are someone whose relationship with their mum is challenging we have provided some tips on how to strengthen it.

"As always when it comes to relationships; prioritising communication and finding a balance which enables both parties to feel their needs are acknowledged, can help significantly”.

Relate counsellor Janet Jorgenson’s top tips for making your relationship blossom this Mother’s Day: 

1/ Find time for one another: If you feel that quality time with your mum is limited, suggest building a regular phone call or skype session into your weekly routine and remember to meet up face to face when you can.

2/ Keep gifts personal: Why not produce a photo collage for Mother’s Day of all your favourite memories together, or invite her round for lunch and cook her favourite meal?

3/ Be true to yourself: It can be tempting to live your life the way you think your parents want you to, but be careful not to lose who you are. Your mum may encourage you to study something particular at university, for example, or to stay living nearby with your family, but is that what you want?

4/ Tell her how you feel: Some people find it easier to talk about their feelings than others but when it comes to your relationship with your mum, this is the holy grail of advice.

5/ Avoid placing blame: Only you can be responsible for your own feelings. Blaming your mum for the way you are will only result in conflict. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a deep breath and think about how you can soften your language by using sentences starting with ‘I’ and not ‘you’.

6/ Be patient: Any issues with your mother are likely to have built up over time, which means any improvement in the relationship is also likely to be gradual. Keep working at it.

Relate Gloucestershire and Swindon offers information, advice and counselling for all stages of relationships, including helping families to build and maintain strong relationships.

Call 01242 523215 for more information or visit www.relate.org.uk