What's the deal with Jewish mothers?

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Jewish mothers have the reputation to be absolute mother-hens to their offspring. A humorist once said: "You know you have a Jewish mother when you get up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, and when you come back your bed is done". As this comedian was Jewish himself, I suppose that he knew what he was talking about. How about you? How would you define a Jewish mother, and can you enlighten us on why they are supposed to be so protective with their children?