Got the Mother’s Day Blues?

Mother’s Day for the under-appreciated Mom

I’m a single mother with three kids and sometimes Mother’s Day can be kind of hard for me. I have felt a little envious when friends would share stories of husbands who have arranged breakfast in bed with lovely cards and gifts. I’ve come to realize, I’m not the only one.  I’ve had friends who have struggled with infertility which makes mother’s day a painful reminder of unfulfilled dreams.  Some women have had their mother’s pass away and feel very lonely on mother’s day.  Many women feel guilty hearing stories of great moms and don’t feel like they measure up.  A lot of times moms feel guilty about admitting that being a mom is the most difficult and challenging role they’ve ever had to fulfill.  Don’t you love the sleepless nights and stretch marks?  

I’ve experienced every emotion on Mother’s Day, I guess that makes me a mom.  I’ve learned how to love and celebrate Mother’s Day in my own way.  I hope some of these tips help you have a wonderful Mother’s Day no matter what circumstance you are facing.

1.   Spoil Yourself!  Do something nice for yourself.  Get a baby sitter, a massage, a pedicure, a treat, that dress you’ve been wanting, or some beautiful flowers and enjoy them!  

2.  Honor the women in your life who inspire you to be a good mom by writing them a note or getting them a little gift.  This could be your own mom, or any other mom you admire.

3.  Don’t cook or clean!  Eat out and your housework will be there for you on Monday to do.

4.  Do some reflecting and journal about your thoughts on being a mother, what kind of mother you want to be, or what you hope for your children.  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  What goals do you want to accomplish?  What do you want to improve on?

5.  Give your child a card or letter and tell them why you love being their mother.  When my children were young I started a journal for them that is just filled with my thoughts about them, mile stones they’ve reached, and things I want them to know.  One day when they’re older they will enjoy reading your entries.

I have found that the more I think about others and less about my expectations, the better my Mother’s Day goes.  I’m OK with whatever way my children or others choose to celebrate me and I look forward to my own celebrating.  I think of my mother who has loves me and sacrifices for me, the wonderful mothers I know who inspire me, and my beautiful children who have made life meaningful. 

Happy Mother’s Day!