What mums really want this Mother’s Day

Let’s be honest: being at the helm of a busy household is a full-time job. Despite three-quarters (75%) of UK mums saying that being a parent is one of the most rewarding things you can do in life, it doesn't mean those daily frictions don't take their toll.

So, we surveyed 2,000 UK mums to shine a light on the pet peeves that make managing a home harder than it needs to be, from electronics being left plugged in to wet washing forgotten in machines.

To celebrate the CEOs of the household this Mother’s Day, we’ve turned those common grumbles into a collection of limited-edition, playful, but honest, cards. 

Whether it's your mobile data being gobbled up or the ‘big light’ being left on, we’re here to offer more ways to help you save energy, cut your household bills, and finally get the better of those pesky bugbears.

The nation’s biggest household headaches

It’s a constant battle for mums, with 95% of them admitting to exchanging 'cross words' with their grown-up kids over energy-wasting habits, leading to household rows an average of four times a week. Plus, 77% told us that managing a house with adult children is even more challenging than the toddler years.

According to our research, the most common frustrations are:

1. 53% of mums say that leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms is their biggest household bugbear.

2. 17% of mums find it a major bugbear when wet washing is left in the machine so long that it needs a second cycle, wasting both water and electricity.

3. 17% of mums are frustrated that devices are left plugged in all day and night, contributing to vampire energy drain.

4. 16% of mums are bothered by the TV being left on in the background when no one is actually watching it — in fact, 15% say their energy bills are being wasted by their kids ‘doomscrolling’ on their phones while the TV blares to an empty room!

5. 14% of mums say that leaving windows wide open while the heating is running is a top household headache.  If you're tired of heating the street, discover how to use your central heating economically.

6. 14% of mums find it frustrating when chargers are left switched on at the wall even when they aren't in use.

It’s not just about the nagging — it’s about the numbers. Understanding which habits cost the most is the first step to taking back control. If you’re curious about which items in your home are the biggest culprits, check out our guide on the top appliances that use the most electricity. Or, discover our top energy-saving tips to lower your usage.

This Mother’s Day, give her the gift of mental load relief

Mother’s Day usually means breakfast in bed and a nice bouquet. But if you ask most mums what they really want, it’s usually less stress at home.

Our research found that two-thirds (67%) of mums would actually prefer practical help around the house over a traditional gift. It’s about more than just chores; it’s about reducing the mental load. That means the invisible to-do list of admin, bills, and household management that keeps her awake at night.

Give her a card she actually wants to read

With 72% of UK mums saying they expect a card this Mother’s Day, the pressure is on to find one that actually hits the mark.

To help you break the ice (and hopefully stop any arguments), we’ve created a range of limited-edition Mother’s Day cards. They’re designed to celebrate the mums who keep the house running, while acknowledging the energy-draining habits that drive her — and the household budget — up the wall.

Why bundling is a win to reduce utility bill stress

If you’re the one responsible for keeping the household wheels turning, you don’t need more paperwork; you need a break. While we can't come over and unstack the dishwasher, we can take the utility stress off your plate.

By bundling your energy, broadband, and mobile into one simple monthly bill, you aren’t just saving money; you’re reclaiming your headspace. It’s the ultimate way to tackle those bill bugbears head-on:

• Less admin, more ‘me-time’ — Instead of juggling four different passwords and providers, you get one clear app and one single payment. That’s a lot of mental load gone in one go.

• Stop the bill-boosting arguments — With everything in one place, it’s easier to show the family exactly how leaving the lights on can impact the budget.

• Peace of mind on pricing — We offer no mid-contract price hikes on our broadband. Ever. So that’s one less surprise for you to manage.

• Rewards for the weekly shop — With a UW Cashback Card, you can actually lower your utility bill just by doing the grocery shopping or topping up the car. It’s practical help that adds up every single month.

We’re committed to making household management feel less like a second job.

Make life simpler, one bill at a time

This Mother’s Day, don’t just settle for a temporary fix. Whether it’s downloading our honest Mother’s Day cards to share a laugh over the laundry or finally tackling the paperwork mountain by bundling your services, we’re here to help you get the better of those household headaches.

With UW, you get more than just a utility provider. You get a partner in your corner.

From award-winning customer service to the simplicity of one monthly bill, we’re making it easier for households across the UK to switch off the stress and start saving.

Explore our energy, broadband, and mobile deals today, or find a Partner in your area to get expert guidance on finding the best home utility options for you.

Methodology

UW commissioned a nationwide survey to 2,000 mums across the UK in March 2026. The research aimed to explore mums’ biggest frustrations around the home, utility habits, and their effects.