Mum's the word

Harian Padang.com-Meet four very special mums and their unique family units.

Four inspiring women share their thoughts and experiences on being a mum and reveal their plans for Mother's Day.

Amanda Green is mum to Robbie, 24, who has autism, and Camilla, 22

When you have a child with autism, every day can present different challenges. I try to rejoice in what Robbie can do rather than focus on things he finds difficult. He is an amazing photographer, has an interesting perspective of the world and a great sense of humour.

Camilla is academically strong with a creative side as well. One of her biggest achievements though, is being a generous, caring sister. A great joy for me is seeing my children interact with each other.

Robbie needs special care and management but these challenges pale into insignificance when I consider the challenges he confronts every day. Being calm and patient is key. Humour helps enormously.

People tend to judge parents when they see a child exhibiting inappropriate behaviour. I would like them to spare a thought that the behaviour may be due to the condition and have nothing to do with parenting skills.

This Mother's Day Camilla and David have arranged a special lunch and I am hoping Robbie will make one of his chocolate cakes for dessert.

Melanie O'Shanassy is a single mum to twin girls, Frances and Tully, aged three

Being a mum is a gift. I am constantly amazed at the things my kids do and say. They are strong little independent women and it's fascinating to watch them grow.

It's taken a few years, though. I was so tired as a new mother that I can honestly say I wasn't that gone on motherhood. I struggled with so much of it. To say I was overwhelmed would have been an understatement. But now, I get so much pleasure from hearing the girls giggle together, or seeing their artwork, or listening to the funny little comments they make.

This Mother's Day I am going to start making a cubby house for my girls, then we are all going to Grandma's for tea. Should be good.

Harriet Moutsopoulos has been a foster mum for just over a year. In this time she has cared for 25 children

Being a foster mum is about helping children in crisis and it's very gratifying to be able to make a difference. The assistance we offer is so simple - we just give them food, safety and love.

The biggest challenge is trying to provide them with skills in a short space of time. We build their confidence and help them understand the difference between right and wrong. When they leave us, we always send them off with puffa jackets so that wherever they go, they're warm.

Foster children are no different to any other children. All children are innocent and need the same things. Sometimes people's first instinct is to blame the parents, but you can't pass judgment.

We have three kids with us at the moment and our plan for Mother's Day is to go to my mum's house and make a mess over there! The kids have made pictures and posters for her. They can't be with their own mum this Mother's Day so it will be all about them and making sure they're happy.

Donna Rackley is a mum of six; Simone, 21, Kimberley, 19, Bethany, 8, Karla, 6, Ethan, 3 and Brayden, 2

It's a lot of fun having a big family. The more children you have, the more confidence you gain as a mother. I always wanted to have children from a young age and having the last two in my late thirties, I can really feel the difference. I haven't got the patience and energy I did when I was younger.

People often ask how I can afford to have so many children, but it's not that hard. I love to cook at home and really, what's a few extra potatoes or carrots? Going out for dinner is expensive but the financial aspect is not as big a burden as you'd think.

For me, being a mum is about developing love and friendship with my kids. You do have to learn to speak on different levels, though. The way you speak to a 21-year-old is very different to the way you speak to a two-year-old.

My daughter Kimberley is about to have a baby, so I will be spending Mother's Day celebrating the birth of my first grandchild. I can't wait.