Mothers Day Interview

• Schedule a time well in advance as this will give a chance to your mom to give you all the time you need.
• Prepare a series of questions well in advance. If the need arises then take the help of your other siblings or friends and relatives.
• Take a notepad and 2 pens for the interview. If you have a tape recorder or a webcam then you can record this interview which you use later to write your story. Also when the interview gets over you can watch the tape with your family.
• Make sure your notes are well organised and legible. Put numbers on all the pages so that later on there is no mix up.
• Always start with a question which will put your mother at ease. Like a story that you think she enjoys telling others.
• Ask your mother questions which can elicit facts, feelings, stories and descriptions rather than simple "yes" or "no".
• Most important thing to remember is to - Show interest. Take an active part in the dialogue without dominating it. Tryto be a good listener.
• Collect some old photographs and treasured items well in advance which can be used to bring memories back.
• Don't push or rush for the answers. Don't force your mother if she does not want to share something.
• Use your prepared questions as a guideline, but don't be afraid to let your mother go off on a tangent. She may have many things to say that you never thought to ask.
• Don't interrupt or attempt to correct her. This may kill her interest and can result in an end of the interview.
• Put your mom at ease by telling her that you will seek her approval of everything that you write before you share it with others.
• Keep the interview length to no more than 1-2 hours at a stretch. It can be tiring for you and your mother.
• When you are done, be sure to thank your mom for her valuable time.