If you’re a mom, no matter what your budget or schedule, you deserve to be recognized on Mother’s Day.
Image: Ecohen (Flickr)
Single mothers of young children often have to initiate their own Mother’s Day celebration. If so, don’t feel guilty about taking some time to yourself for some pampering, fun or quality time with your kids to reflect about what being a mother means to you. Here are some ways that single moms like you can honor their supermom selves and celebrate Mother’s Day.
Time to Yourself
Being a mother is hard work. Sometimes you just need to get away. While it may seem ironic to want to get away from your kids on a day that honors your commitment to motherhood, it is not a bad idea. Remember, this is your day. Let a friend or grandparent take the kids while you take a few hours for yourself to have a pedicure, shop or go for a vigorous hike or another workout you enjoy. You may be surprised at how fast you can recharge your mom batteries with just a day – or even half a day – to yourself.
Time with Friends or Other Moms
If you need some girl time, ditching the kids to spend time with your adult friends may be just the thing for a Mother’s Day celebration, especially if your friends are also moms. Get someone to watch your children and join your fellow baby mamas out for brunch, a chick flick and maybe even some afternoon cocktails. It is important to reconnect with the friends that you had before you had kids. No one can lend an ear or make you laugh like a good girlfriend.
Time with Your Mom
Why not spend the day with your own mom, with or without the kids? If you get someone to watch the little ones, you can do all the things grown-up moms and daughters like to do, such as shopping and lunch, shopping and snacks or shopping and eating chocolate. If your mom doesn’t get to see her grand kids that often, you can include them on a Mother’s Day outing. Go to a park and pack a picnic. Let the kids wear themselves out on the playground while you and your mom sip mimosas and gossip. Or, go someplace cool, such as a museum exhibit or an aquarium.
Time with Your Kids
They are the reason you are being celebrated on this day. If you are like many busy working single mothers, you may not feel like you have enough quality time with your kids. Sure, you are constantly harping on them to do their homework, pick up their room and help with the dishes, but don’t forget that being a mom can actually be fun. Take some time to actually enjoy your kids by doing something fun together.
April Lentini writes for Apartment Guide in San Jose.
