Guest post by Lucy Good from Beanstalk Single Mums
Mother’s Day: Typically a time for mums to relax, put their feet up and bask in the glow of being a wonderful mother.
Well, that’s the plan anyway.
The reality for single mums can be a little different. Although we celebrate motherhood, without a partner to supervise the breakfast in bed and buy the bouquet, we can feel a little short-changed.
But never fear .. single mums do what we do best. We adapt, overcome, and always (yes ALWAYS) make the very most of it.
Here are some ideas on how to enjoy Mother’s Day as a single mum.
- Give yourself a gift (you deserve it)
We LOVE the homemade cards and macaroni necklaces from our little ones .. we truly do. But nothing says Mother’s Day like our favourite perfume or a spa voucher. So buy it for yourself. If there is ever a day you deserve a treat THIS. IS. IT. Give it to your kids to wrap and hide before the big day, and you can look forward to receiving it .. that is if they remember where they hid it.
- Go on a kitchen strike
An absolute break from the kitchen is a real treat on Mother’s Day. And yes, with a little planning, it is possible. The day before, put some Nutella spread croissants on paper plates in the fridge. That’s brekkie. Then prepare a basic picnic. That’s lunch. And why not go out for dinner? No need for a la carte. Just fish and chips will do. Take a day off from worrying about healthy food, cooking, washing-up or anything kitchen related. You will love it.
- Bagsy your ‘me time’
Having ‘me time’ is a very important part of Mother’s Day. And for us single mothers it’s no different. Unless your children are really little, they will understand that this is your day. Plan ahead. Tell them that as it’s Mother’s Day, mummy is going to stay in bed a little longer, and in the afternoon she wants a whole hour of quiet time. Explain that this is the greatest gift they can give you. If you tell them in advance, you may find they will rise to the challenge and play quietly as they know how much it means to you.
- Create a new Mother’s Day routine
Creating new family routines is one of the best bits of being a single mum. Try going to a certain park or playing a particular game. Our Mother’s Day routine is going to the cinema. Two hours sitting motionless in a chair, staring at a screen, doing absolutely nothing is pure unadulterated luxury. Of course, children love it too. A routine on Mother’s Day will always make it seem special even if you’re exhausted, your children are playing-up, and you’re counting the minutes to bedtime and your next glass of wine.
- Keep the expectations real
In actuality, Mother’s Day is just another commercialised Hallmark holiday. Of course, it is lovely to celebrate being a single mum, but that’s just it … being a mother is a privilege we are party to daily. Who needs expensive flowers and a glitzy restaurant to celebrate, when we have our children to remind us how lucky we are? Take some time to tell your kids how much you love them and enjoy simply ‘being’ with them. Tomorrow will be just another normal, crazy day … the true reality of being a mum.
___________________________________________________________________
Beanstalk is an online space which empowers single mothers to re-find their potential and re-build their confidence through a website that delivers targeted information and support.
Lucy works with hundreds of single mothers through the offering of her online course and her Facebook group. She is a blogger, podcaster and mentor. She also speaks regularly on a local radio station, writes articles for the online parenting community and continually hunts down resources of benefit to the single motherhood.
To learn more about Beanstalk contact:
Lucy Good
0427 444 669
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SingleMumVine/
