I urge moms everywhere to “live by design” on Mother’s Day by thinking about and
communicating with their families what they’d most like to do!
By Ivana Pignatelli
It’s no secret that on Mother’s Day, husbands and kids of all ages want to celebrate the outstanding moms in their lives. If you’re skeptical, consider the fact that more flower bouquets are sold on Mother’s Day than on any other holiday, including Valentine’s Day—score a big one for moms! But it’s also true that there are as many ways to celebrate this holiday as there are mothers. And sometimes (as you may know from experience), your family’s well-meaning efforts might not fit exactly with what you had in mind.
As mothers, we can get so focused on taking care of everyone else in our families that we forget to let them know how to take care of us. But the truth is, your spouse and kids aren’t mind readers. And because they love you and want you to feel as special as possible on “your” day, they’ll really appreciate any hints and direction you can give them!
My perfect Mother’s Day strikes a balance between spending time with my wonderful kids while they do something special for me, like making me breakfast in bed or drawing me a picture, and allowing myself to do exactly what I want to do without feeling guilty about it. On Mother’s Day, all mothers should put themselves first. Letting your family know how they can help you to do that is a win-win: You enjoy your day, and your spouse and kids know without a doubt that they did a great job.
As you plan out your ideal Mother’s Day, here are some things to consider:
• What kind of celebration do you want?
• What activities would you enjoy?
• Do you want to spend the whole day with your family?
• Are there any gifts you would like?
•Will you spend the day with extended family?
If you’d like to include other mothers in your life but don’t want the occasion to turn into an all-day affair, having a meal together at a restaurant might work. And if you’d rather keep your day immediate-family-only, that’s fine. I have a friend who politely tells her mother and mother-in-law that she would like to celebrate with them on a different day and just be with her husband and kids on Mother’s Day.
When you take some time to think about the kind of Mother’s Day you’d like most and communicate that vision to your family, you’ll all go to bed on May 12th feeling wonderful and satisfied. That said, don’t expect perfection. Revel in the little mistakes and hiccups that make being a mother such an awesome experience.
