Rachael Scharrer, Divorce Expert and Coach, shares her experience with Mother’s Day from 2017.
One of the pitfalls of celebrating Mother’s Day as a single parent is that there isn’t anyone else to go to that effort to recognise you as a mum and say a big “thanks.” How we empower our children to be comfortable celebrating in their way is important for them as much as it is for us, their mother. Last year, was so incredibly special for me, I wrote it down as a record to myself. It went as follows:
“Last night [the eve of Mother’s Day], I approached Mother’s Day with in trepidation. The children couldn’t wait for Mother’s Day to arrive. They were hyperactive and cleaned the bathroom before heading to bed two hours later than usual.
My children were so excited to make my day special. My mother had taken them shopping so they had a gift for me. School also made sure there were cards and a small gift waiting (as they did for all students).
It was dark and I could hear little voices…
At 7am, the bedroom door flew open and I was blinded by light and deafened by little voices screaming “Happy Mother’s Day!” They were so proud of the cool milky coffee and cold toast with jam that they made for me. It was a genuine surprise. I thought they were in their bedroom chatting quietly, I didn’t realise that they were in the kitchen making me a special treat to eat. They loved seeing the joy that their gift-giving created.
My heart overflowed with love and appreciation for these little people and for the family that support me…”
I also remember that 2017 was the first time I had any photos taken of my children and I in years. I am usually behind the camera. It was a great Mother’s Day ….
It takes preparation to have a special breakfast prepared. In the lead up to Mother’s Day, teach your children age-appropriate tasks in the kitchen, like how to make:
The kitchen can be a dangerous space, so try to minimise dangers by pulling out bowls and glasses to an accessible space, get the toaster out (if they can use it safely) and ensure that easy-to-make foods are in the house for them to use when making breakfast for you.
If your child is too young to be in the kitchen by themselves doing basic tasks, the treat yourself to breakfast out, a movie together or get crafty to mark the special day.
Don’t forget to take a photograph and preserve the memory!
Most of all, have a really special Mother’s Day.
