Mother’s Day… It’s More Than The Flowers!
As someone who is fortunate enough to have celebrated 15 Mother’s Days with my beautiful boys and worked with many beautiful families over many years, I have learnt a few valuable lessons relating to the second Sunday in the month of every May – Mother’s Day.
- Make your expectations clear. Sometimes, we expect our partners or young children to know exactly how we want the day to go, and we are disappointed when the breakfast in bed does not arrive the minute we open our eyes. Plan the day together and let your family know what you need. This will avoid disappointment and prevent us from feeling like we do not matter…. we do, they just don’t always show it in the way we want.
- Don’t compare yourself to that family on Facebook or Instagram. A photo is a 1 second glimpse into the life of a family and there is pressure to appear perfect on social media. If you follow message no. 1, you will have the picture to share too, if that is your thing.
- Mother’s Day is a hard day for many. Those who have lost their Mums, those who do not have great relationships with their Mums or children, or possibly, those of us that struggled with infertility and are perhaps still waiting and hoping to complete families. I know I always feel so grateful to friends who reach out to me on Father’s Day as my Dad is no longer with us so maybe reach out to a friend.
I think we should rethink events like Mother’s Day, whilst I will be expecting my family to recognise the day and know that I won’t be cooking dinner, I think we could all do ourselves the honour of acknowledging ourselves and knowing that the role of a Mum is wonderful, challenging, emotional and exhausting all wrapped in one.
So, this year, take a second to pat yourself on the back and remind yourself that you are doing a super job. I will be sitting on a footy field; hopefully spectating will include champagne…
Mel x
