Mums more important than social media influencers for advice, claims survey

Brits are shunning the internet and turning to mum for life lessons and advice on beauty, fashion and relationships, according to a new survey carried out ahead of Mother’s Day a week on Sunday (March 31st, 2019).

Researchers who carried out a detailed study found our mums are still the number one influencer despite the proliferation of sources available on the internet.

The report also revealed 41 per cent of adults under the age of 45 believe children are more likely to get advice from their mum, compared to 28 per cent who chose bloggers and influencers.

The trend emerged following research carried out among 2,000 adults which also revealed many are taking on life mottos passed down by mum.

Carried out by centre:mk, one of the UK’s top 10 shopping centres, the poll marks the launch of its ‘Life Lessons From Mum’ campaign www.centremk.com ahead of Mother’s Day.

The most common life lessons are ‘believe in yourself’, ‘there is no such word as can’t’ and ‘treat others as you would like to be treated’. Beauty tips such as ‘moisturise daily’ and ‘always take your make-up off before bed’ also made the list.

‘Always wear sunscreen’, ‘embrace your shape’ and ‘never give up’ are also frequently passed on.

The study also found six in ten adults pass their mother’s advice onto their own children. Kim Priest of centre:mk said: “It’s fantastic to see that mums are holding strong as our No.1 influencer.

‘’Handed down from generations of mothers, these life lessons still appear as enduring and relevant as ever.”

It also emerged while most of mum’s advice is valued, 43 per cent of female respondents said that ‘let the man pay on the first date’ is the tip they consider to be the most old fashioned. 

More than two thirds declared ongoing gratitude for their mother’s advice throughout their lives.  

The OnePoll survey also revealed the mother/daughter advisory role is reciprocal, with two in five of female respondents stating that fashion and beauty advice between mother and daughter is a two-way street.  

Mums confirmed children’s advice is frequently offered up for computer skills, as well as broader life lessons advice prompting them “to treat themselves” and “try new things”.  

Kim Priest added:  ‘’Ahead of Mother’s Day, we are delighted to celebrate life lessons from mums encompassing self-belief, life skills, and fashion and beauty tips.

‘’We are confident mums’ life lessons will continue to be passed down for years to come.”

Centre:mk is an official patron of the British Fashion Council, in recognition of its mix of cutting-edge fashion and beauty brands and its commitment to investing in driving and supporting the UK’s pioneering fashion and beauty industries.  

MUMS’ LIFE LESSONS:

Always try your best (36 per cent)

Treat others as you would like to be treated (31 per cent)

If you don’t ask, you don’t get (26 per cent) 

Don’t worry about what others think (25 per cent)

There’s no such word as ‘can’t’ (23 per cent)

Never give up (22 per cent) 

Believe in yourself (22 per cent)

Do what makes you happy (21 per cent)

It’s what’s inside that counts (20 per cent)

MUMS’ FASHION AND BEAUTY TIPS:

Drink lots of water (36 per cent)

Beauty comes from within (36 per cent)

Wear what you feel comfortable in (31 per cent)

Always wear sunscreen (25 per cent)

Moisturise daily (23 per cent)

Invest in a good bra (22 per cent)

Always take your make-up off before bed (20 per cent)

Don’t compare your style to others (20 per cent)

Embrace your shape (19 per cent)