If you’re a single mom, you KNOW that Mother’s Day sucks. While social media streams from “real families” overflow with pics of breakfast in bed, flowers of appreciation from hubby, and moms enjoying their day off with their feet up, our behind-the-scenes pics remain unshared. Mostly because we don’t have any.
Why? Because for many single moms, Mother’s Day is just another reminder of all the stuff we get done every single day. Alone.
It’s time to turn that around. You deserve the BEST day ever, period. So, let’s ditch the stress and make this day all about you.
Here are some tips to make your Mother’s Day fun, funky, and unforgettable.
- Breakfast in bed, the toddler way.
What better way to start your day, right?
Oh, but wait!
Maybe your kids are too young to prepare breakfast.
Well, I have the perfect solution for you. And since we’re professional jugglers, it’s also a great opportunity to make your kids aware of Mother’s Day. (Ya gotta start them young, right?)
In this scenario, Mother’s Day begins the night before with a conversation. Talk to your kids about the significance of Mother’s Day and tell them that you’re starting a new tradition. After all, traditions make the best memories!
Once the talk is over (no, not THAT talk. We’ll get to that in another post), take your kids into the kitchen and prepare your Mother’s Day breakfast in advance with your kids.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. A plate of grapes and pieces of cheese will do just nicely. Once everything is ready and in the fridge, tell your kids that it will be their job to bring the special Mother’s Day breakfast plate to you in bed the next morning where you will enjoy it together.
No need to worry about crumbs in bed. It’s your day!
- Some alone time, please.
Hey, we all love our kids! But sometimes we need a break. This is a Universal Law. Even more universal than “The Secret.”
So, take some time for yourself and do something you love. Whether it’s binge-watching your fave show after the kids go to bed or climbing into your own bed with a book, just do it!
“But HOW, Mona?“
“How do I manage to steal a few minutes for myself when the kids are ALWAYS with me and I’m exhausted at night?”
I’m so glad you asked. I have the perfect mid-day solution for you. Set your kids up with their fave Disney movie and tell them that once the movie is over – and if they’ve watched it quietly – you’ll do something special together. This uses a give-and-take tactic with a reward at the end, which kids love.
- Treat yourself to something nice.
Is there a spring dress you’ve been eyeing? Or maybe you want a new tattoo, or need a massage?
Girl, treat yourself! And do it WITHOUT the guilt. You deserve to be pampered and when the sisters can do it for themselves, THAT’S empowering!
BTW, if you love reading, my publisher has a special Mother’s Day sale for my book, SUPERWOMAN: A Funny and Reflective Look at Single Motherhood. Simply use discount code SUPERWOMAN for a 30% discount.
Happy reading!
- Get your tribe together.
Gather your single mom friends and plan a brunch, picnic, or potluck. Get ready to share stories, laughs, and maybe a bottle of wine or two (or seven). No need to worry about the kids, EVERYONE is invited to this party! The more, the merrier! And besides, the kiddos will be busy playing with the other kids, so they’ll be with you but not with you. Get it? Everybody wins!
- Plan a fun activity.
Make memories with your kids that you’ll cherish forever. Get creative and plan a scavenger hunt, a painting session, or a karaoke party. Or maybe go all out and take a road trip. The possibilities are endless.
Here’s something my girls and I used to do when they were little. Every Friday night we would have a picnic on the living room floor and watch a movie. Tablecloth, milk in our wine glasses, pajamas, and BOUYA! We still talk about it. And guess what? Although it became a Friday tradition, it actually started as a Mother’s Day activity. Ah, the memories!
- Disconnect to reconnect.
Let’s face it, we’re all addicted to our phones. On your special day, put your phone on silent and relearn to enjoy the moment. Take a walk with your kids, go for a bike ride, or just sit in the park and enjoy the sunshine.
And guess what! Your online world will still be there when you get back. Oh! And don’t forget to take pics. Let your Instagram followers know…
“That’s right. This single momma had a kickass Mother’s Day too!”
- Write a love letter to yourself.
This is my personal fave. Put pen to paper and acknowledge all the hard work you do – Every. Single. Day. Remind yourself of your awesomeness. Reminisce in detail about what it was like to come home from work on that particular day, only to realize that you had forgotten to take something out for supper, your kids had A TON of homework, and the laundry had reached that heap level where there was no escaping it.
Then, put your love letter in an envelope and read it every time you need a pick-me-up. Trust me. When I say, “you’ll laugh about this one day,” it’s true! You’ll also miss this time in your life when your kids are young and still yours. (I do!)
So, there you have it – some fun and funky ideas to make your Mother’s Day unforgettable.
Remember, this day is all about you, so go ahead and make it epic.
And if no one has told you this today, allow me: You’re doing a great job, mamma!
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Mona Andrei is an award-winning humor blogger, columnist, and author. In her most recent book, SUPERWOMAN: A Funny and Reflective Look at Single Motherhood, she shares her challenges and triumphs as a single mother as well as stories from other single mothers.
Mona is also the host of the Single Moms with Moxie podcast.
When Mona isn’t writing or elevating other single mothers, you can probably find her dancing. As a member of a competitive hip-hop team, she likes to think that she’ll stay young and cool forever. She may be delusional.
I think I liked your breakfast in bed idea the best! Brilliant!
Ohmyword, yes!!! GREAT suggestions!