Working mamas, on Mother’s Day, make the day your own. Feel empowered to create the Mother’s Day you want. You’ve more than earned it!
Mothers make things happen
On a normal day, mamas are likely to be the oil that keeps their families moving smoothly. They are often the who and what that enable everything to flow as it does. And when it comes to working mamas, you are making things happen at work and at home.
This year, though, you should definitely wear the superhero cape. No? Let’s remember that you’re likely doing at least double duty with getting work done and either helping manage online school or trying to keep young kids entertained. That, in itself, deserves a cape. You’re also spinning so many more plates like keeping food on the table (3 meals a day now). And you’re keeping your family healthy in a moment when that really matters.
Nope, you’re not failing
OK, you might be thinking that you’re failing right now. Maybe even each day you feel like something is falling through the cracks. For so many working moms right now feel like they’re missing the mark at home and/or with family. I hear moms talk about kids having too much screen time. Or they say the house is a mess. Spring cleaning fell to the bottom of the list. OK, and? This is a tough moment. It’s not going to be perfect and that’s OK.
Comparing can rob your moments of happiness
And, maybe you go online and see how someone you know appears to be doing better and managing everything with ease. Don’t compare. It can rob you of so many moments of happiness. We have no idea what happens behind closed doors. Their version of life likely doesn’t work for your family.
So, let’s make sure we don’t compare to other families. Focus on your version of work-life balance and managing all the things now and always.
Keep your perspective
Remember that you’re doing your best. And, if you’re like most working mamas I know, you’re actually doing pretty well. So what if your house isn’t as tidy as normal. So what if the laundry pile is only getting bigger. So what if your kids are wearing pajamas more than normal (hey, it cuts back on laundry, right?) Your family is still healthy. Your family is doing well, all things considered. And your kids might actually even be having fun, including their time with you. Instead of using your version, think about what your child would say about this time?
Mother’s Day plans
For Mother’s Day in a normal year, you might do brunch with your own mother and/or extended family and spend time together. Maybe this year, though, it might look different since we all are likely still self-quarantining. Instead of doing what you usually do, what if this year you create the Mother’s Day you want? Be as restful or as active as you want. You can be uber casual or dress up.
This year what if you:
- Take time (a quiet few hours) to curl up with a good book that your family gives you
- Meditate for as little or as long as you like
- Take a bubble bath
- Create a home spa day (ask for yummy scented body wash, a one-use mask or face scrub, new nail polish, and whatever else you need to have a major moment of self-care and many of these things you can also use later for a moment of self-care)
- Stay in pajamas all day
- Listen to your favorite music all day (I’d be listening to 80s all day!! Who’s with me?!?!?)
- Order out from your favorite restaurant
- Grab some yummy stuff for a picnic if it’s a nice day
- Go for a hike nearby as a family (being in nature is a great moment of self-care too)
- Get dressed up and take some family photos (you can be a serious or as fun as you want)
Really, though, it can be anything you want. Be as creative as you want. Spend as much time or as little with your family. This is a no-judgment zone.
Ask for help
Perhaps it’s the perfect moment to have everyone chip in to tidy up without you managing the whole process. Yes, you can release the mental load for this to your significant other. Have your family do the dishes all weekend and turn over cooking to your significant other and the kids (remember, you’re not doing clean-up).
Mother’s Monday
And this year I’m really excited about the inaugural year of Mother’s Monday. In addition to Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating working moms like you the following day (this year it’s 11 May). We’re “building a culture that honors gender equity and that reduces the mental load placed on women to be the primary caregivers in society. It’s about lifting up examples of companies, organizations and innovations which help to reduce the barriers mothers and caregivers face in integrating work and care.” There are loads of events that day if you want to take a peak and participate in whichever events you can fit into your day. And it’s all free to join.
You are loved
Ultimately on this day, I hope you know that you are loved, mama! You are loved by your kids, significant other, friends, family, and tribe. Cherish that love, whatever that looks like. And create the Mother’s Day you want and need. Happy Mother’s Day, mamas!
So, now I want to know…how are you spending your Mother’s Day this year?
******************************************
Want to hang out with some other working moms interested in work-life balance? We’ve got a supportive group on Facebook. We’d love for you to join us.
