Holidays can be difficult for a single mom to navigate for a multitude of reasons. Some of these difficulties may have to do with the fact that they are not used to spending the holidays without their kids, or a partner who has left or passed away. It’s not something you really get used to.
Mother’s Day is particularly hard for the single mom. Typically, it falls on that partner who is no longer there to make the day special. Especially if the single mom has younger kids who may not understand the importance of making mom feel special and loved on that day. It may just seem like another day, surrounded by reminders that other moms are getting special treatment.
But as single moms, we can do something to help make the holiday the best it can be.
5 ways for single moms to celebrate mother’s day
1. Celebrate your own mother.
I know this might not be possible for all single moms, but whenever possible spoil the heck out of your own mom or someone who is a mother figure to you. There is a lot of truth to that old adage “Tis better to give than to receive” so why not give it a shot? Feeling great about loving on your mother will get you through the day and take your mind off what you might be missing.
2. Celebrate with other single moms.
We are out there. There are literally multitudes of us. I know that sometimes it seems like we are all alone in this journey, but that is just not true. I have found support and friendship in my single moms group and I can’t imagine my life without them. So, have a gathering with your best single mom friends, you won’t regret it.
3. Buy yourself something nice.
You know that new device you have been eyeing, or that spa day that seems too indulgent? Girl, treat yo self. I mean it. You do so much for your kids, do something nice for yourself by splurging on something you really want. Worried about money? Just have ramen for dinner for the next week (or month). The kids will probably love it!
4. Teach your kids the importance of how to make someone feel special.
Let’s face it, our kids don’t inherently know how to make someone else feel special. Kids are egocentric beings who need to be taught how to put others first. Why not use Mother’s Day as a tool to teach them about what makes you happy. Do you like breakfast in bed? Teach them how to make it, then jump into bed and see the delight on their faces when they bring it in to “surprise” you. You love a good homemade, heartfelt card? Show them where the supplies are and how to make one, then let them go for it. Show genuine appreciation when they give it to you. Teach them about what makes you happy, and they just might pick up on this for other times during the year as well.
5. Take a little trip.
Get out of town, even if it’s just a day trip. Go see somewhere new or an old favorite. Search for the best ice cream shop, or pizza place, or bike trail, whatever you and your family are into. Sometimes a little change in scenery is all you need to lift your mood on what can be a hard day.
The bottom line is that Mother’s Day as a single mom can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be bad. It can be good. In fact, it can be very, very good. It might take some effort, but the memories made on Mother’s Day can be some of the very best of all.
What are some other ideas for making Mother’s Day extra special as a single mom?
