Attention Dads! Three (Non-Gifts) Things Moms Crave for Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is May 12th. The ONE day a year dedicated solely to us moms. But if that is the case, then why doesn’t it feel that way?

I don’t know about you but I honestly don’t feel like a day meant to celebrate me should entail things like taking cranky kids out to brunch or hosting people at my house for a family get together. The more experience I have as a mom, the more comfortable I get in the skin of it. Each year I find myself getting closer and closer to defining what my truly perfect Mother’s Day looks like. Most importantly, I become better at not being afraid to admit what I most desire on my special day.

Alone time. As an extrovert who recharges like an introvert, I crave time by myself. It seems that some alarm goes off on children the second mom does something like step into the shower. They immediately come like little magnets to us. This year, I told my husband I want an entire afternoon without anyone. I don’t even care what I do as long as I have complete isolation in the comfort of my own house.

*Note, this alone time might be happening the weekend after mom’s day and I am not going to complain about that, as long as it happens.

Kid time/Family time– My kids get really excited for Mother’s Day. Well maybe more my 10-year old and less my 13-year old but I know they both genuinely do like to celebrate me. Knowing I will have some alone time coming at some point, even if it’s the following weekend, makes me really soak up a fun family day together. As my kids get older, the day really can be pretty relaxing. My kids are not a handful or super needy anymore. A day with them going on a long walk with our dogs and out to lunch truly fills my cup.

When my kids were younger, I would love seeing what they had in store for me. I remember one year my daughter really wanted to get me bread. As in a loaf of bread. I mean, I do love carbs. This still brings a smile to my face.

If you are in those stages of being in the thick of it with little kids, I know it’s impossible to find total relaxation in a family day. There are still butts to wipe and tantrums to inevitably handle. I won’t tell you to enjoy every moment. But I will say try to find moments that bring a smile to your face years later; just like the memory of getting a loaf of bread brings a smile to mine.

Friend Time – I have a group of best friends that honestly get me through certain days of motherhood. We have been through our entire journey of mom-hood together. Each year on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, we get together for some girl time. It is a wonderful tradition where we can all celebrate and thank each other for being such awesome support.

Moms, don’t be afraid to voice what you want on Mother’s Day. Don’t feel guilty for wanting YOU time. I get creative and get my alone time in the day before or weekend after Mother’s Day. Set the expectations and get a plan to make it happen. Wear that macaroni necklace proud, host a big dinner, take a night away from the family for some reflection time…whatever it is, make sure it’s a way that YOU feel celebrated.