International Mother’s Day is just around the corner.
Mother’s Day is a special occasion to celebrate the love and sacrifices of all the mothers in the world. My heart goes to mothers who were pregnant but never held the baby in their arms and mothers who gave birth but held the baby in their arms in just a tiny window on earth. You are still a mother.
For single mothers, it can be a challenging day as they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. As a working single mother, you may feel like you have to do it all alone, but you are not alone, and you deserve to be celebrated on this special day.
I am speaking for myself. My first Mother’s Day celebration wasn’t like the one that I’d wished to happen, but I am at peace with the past. It was just a day in many years, but I have the best gift for having my beautiful son.
The truth is again, with the commercialisation and after Covid, Mother’s Day celebrations make another comeback with gifts and overbooked restaurants for dinners and lunches. The expectation is high and because of that some mothers have started to feel the pressure of comparing their celebration day with other mothers.
Just stop doing that if you are doing it!
Well done if you are just being you without brushing it off to make you feel better.
Well done if you are conscious and at peace that life is so much more than one day of celebration of being a mother.
I am giving the idea to celebrate Mother’s Day as a single mum while I understand that sometime even when you are in a healthy relationship, your Mother’s Day may be just a dream too.
Here are some ideas to help you celebrate Mother’s Day:
1. Take a break.
As a mum, you are always on the go, taking care of your child’s needs, work, and household chores. On Mother’s Day, take a break from your routine and do something that you enjoy or just do nothing. It could be as simple as taking a long bath, reading a book, having a quiet cup of tea at home or watching your favourite movie.
2. Connect with other mums.
Connect with other mums in your community or online. Share your experiences and support each other. You can plan a virtual celebration or a small gathering with your children.
3. Call your mums or in-laws or grandmothers.
They are the most important mums in your life. Lead by example to your little one. For me, it was a conscious effort so my son can learn how to treat mothers in his life.
4. Have a picnic.
Have a picnic with your child in the park or your backyard. Pack your favourite foods, games, and a blanket. Enjoy the fresh air, nature, and quality time with your child.
5. Treat yourself.
Treat yourself to something special, like a massage, a new outfit, or a favourite dessert. You deserve to pamper yourself and feel appreciated.
6. Create a memory box.
Create a memory box with your child, filled with pictures, letters, and special moments you shared. This will be a meaningful gift that you can cherish for years to come.
Last year, my sister-in-law arranged a surprise gift for my son to give to me. She is just a lovely person. Otherwise, I just sat at home enjoying a cup of my favourite tea then with another surprise my Mother-In-Law came so we celebrated together with bubbles.
This year, because we will be in Gold Coast, we will be having dolphin encountered activities at Sea World to create the memory. It is a surprise for my son, and he’d love it.
7. Write a gratitude letter.
Write a gratitude letter to yourself or a loved one, thanking them for their love, support, and sacrifices. This will be a reminder of how much you are appreciated and loved. I have a gratitude journal and this year, I will be writing raising you journal.
Mother’s Day is about celebrating the love and sacrifices of all the mothers. Take the time to appreciate yourself, connect with others, and create special memories with your child. You are strong, resilient, and deserving of all the love and celebration on this special day.
Happy Mother’s Day!