This coming Sunday, the 11th March 2018 is Mother’s Day in the UK. Whereas the rest of the world will be celebrating on the 13th May. (Yay! Double celebrations for us, right?) Anyway, as the rest of UK sings about how great a mother’s love is, declaring their love and appreciation on facebook et al and sending her flowers, chocolates and making eggs and soldiers. What will you be doing and what does Mother’s day mean to you?

To me, Mother’s Day is about… Appreciation and Learning to be Selfish.



Appreciation

There are many ways you can show your appreciation, personally, nothing says appreciation more than handmade, crafted goodies! I handmake so many things for my family that now thinking of it, I really want something made for me too! I remember S handmaking my first Christmas present just less than 2 months after we started dating. Although it hasn’t survived through the years, it is still something I will never forget. If crafting is not his thing, even just personalising something boring like a plate with my son’s handprint would probably end up being framed by yours truly! Not only would this show me how much my family loves me, but the thought and effort behind it. This definitely beats a home cooked meal or breakfast in bed anyday! Although I wouldn’t mind that either!

Oh, and please don’t forget the stupid card! That stupid little card WITH a few personal words acknowledges how hard a mother’s job is. So don’t be lazy and don’t just sign the bottom of the card. Try to write something meaningful to the woman who has done more for her children than anyone in the world.

Don’t ask, Listen

Chances are if you ask a mum what she wants for Mother’s Day, she will probably say “nothing“. So listen to what she’s saying on a daily basis, try to pick up on her wants and needs. Is it having a kid’s free day, spa date with the girls or just a private toilet session and long hot uninterrupted bath? Sound’s like mama needs a break! On the other hand, you may have some mama’s who just can’t bear to be apart from her cubs, so respect the fact that she might actually want to spend more time together than apart. Especially if the kids have all grown up and moved out. Obviously, I only have a little boy just shy of 3 years old. But if you haven’t noticed, I love spending time with my little monster. So why not plan an activity you can all enjoy together? Even if it’s something simple like baking cookies, crafting or scooting to the local park for a picnic she hasn’t had to prepare.

Remember: As long as it’s hassle free and doesn’t involve any thought, preparation or cleaning from mum, that’s a winner already!

Learning to be Selfish

So, why would this day of expressing your love to this amazing woman be about selfishness? This is because, too many times when you ask a new mum what their Mother’s Day wish is? It usually revolves around their offsprings. “I wish my child can have a happy and healthy life” or “There’s nothing I wish for, my son/daughter has already provided me with so much happiness.” Mum’s are selfless creatures by default. And there’s nothing wrong with that, we should all be grateful and gracious, that’s what we want to teach our kids. But life as a mum also means:

• Thinking about your family first and yourself last (every single bloody time). Check.
• Sailing through every single sniffle and cough even when you’re as sick as a dog yourself. Check.
• Meet every single task and deadline thrown at you.
• • • Getting kids ready for school and activities on time. Check.
    • Making nutritious and delicious meals. Check.
    • Being their emotional and physical coach. Check.
    • Homework, yes, even an almost 3 year old toddler has homework. Check.
    • Relationship building. Check.
    • Mediator. Check.
    • Etcetcetc.

This is a 24/7 on the call job that you can never give up or quit. So mummies, give yourself a break, be a little selfish this Mother’s Day and put yourself first, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. Please share with me what you would like this Mother’s day in the comments below 🙂

Thanks for reading and until next time…

Love, MsmMamaBean x

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