Traditionally, when you think of Mother's Day it conjures up images of moms being served breakfast in bed, receiving flowers, small children hugging their grandmothers and moms looking gleeful and relaxed as they open those oh-so-special cards and gifts. What you don't see is who's cleaning up the breakfast, the dirt and wrappings, and who's rushing to get the children and everything else ready for grandma's visit! The answer, of course, is us moms!!! Well, ladies, after 10 years of smiles, trials, tribulations and some helpful hints from fellow moms and friends, I have finally learned it doesn't have to be a day like every other day. Try all or just a few of what I have come to call "My Mother's Day Stress Busters," and I assure you, this Mother's Day will be a bit less stressful and a lot more special.
Create a Mother's Day Honey-Do List. Prepare a list ahead of time for your husband of chores and things to be done on Mother's Day that you would normally do every other day. Include shopping lists, routines (including getting kids to do their homework for Monday!), what the kids wear, and any other must-dos and preparations to make your day easier.
Make a Mother's Day Wish-Gift Guide. Nothing can ever replace your child's handmade cards and potted plants, but how often have you had to replace that gift your husband and family thought you wanted? Providing them with a personal wish list will make them feel like they've made you happy and you'll use the gift instead of burying it in your closet or drawer!
Set and Savor Some Alone Time. Hey girlfriends, we've earned it! Have your husband take the kids out after the excitement of the morning's breakfast in bed with your loved ones. Then pamper, indulge or just enjoy the peace and quiet.
Eat out! Don't make breakfast, lunch or dinner, make reservations!!! It's Mother's Day and, unless you're a domestic diva who revels in entertaining and cooking, let someone else do the work. It's also a great way to cut down on the time you have to spend with your not-so-favorite fellow moms (names not to be mentioned!) Another tip: Don't try a new restaurant with your mother or mother-in-law. Go to one you know they like, particularly on Mother's Day when most restaurants are in chaos!
Give Yourself a Gift! Who says you can't reward yourself for being such a terrific mom by buying yourself a gift? No one! Splurge and buy yourself something special. You've deserve it!
Connect with A Friend. Life gets so busy we don't often have the time to just sit on the phone and chat with our friends. So make that call, meet for coffee or take a stroll in the park with them. It will remind you of how important it is for you to stay connected and be able to complain about anything with one who's been there, doing that!
Celebrate Your Mother's Day Another Day. If you have too many commitments with your mother, mother-in-law or other family members, there's no reason not to schedule your very own Mother's Day on a different day. The kids won't mind either, since they love to prolong any celebration. So let everyone know that you want to have your own special day just with them that they can help plan.
And, most importantly:
Remember You're Special. We're so busy thinking about and doing things for everyone else that we generally don't take the time to appreciate ourselves. So don't wait for others to remind you. Take a bow, shout out "I'm special," or just keep a smile on your face even when your child spills the syrup all over the kitchen floor remember, you're special!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
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