Are you a mom who doesn’t love Mother’s Day for whatever reason? Here’s your permission to do nothing on Mother’s Day – it’s OK to skip it!
Before I really dive into today’s post, I want to first acknowledge that this isn’t like my typical blog posts. I usually like to write list-based, super helpful posts on specific topics that are relevant to my life. This post isn’t that, but I think it’s important, and I hope it might be just as helpful to some of you.
A lot of moms have a complicated relationship with Mother’s Day. Maybe your relationship with your mom is strained. Or perhaps you have recently lost your mom. Maybe you struggle with the expectations versus the reality of Mother’s Day, especially if you have young kids. If any of these sentiments ring true for you, I see you. And I give you permission to do nothing on Mother’s Day.
Permission to Do Nothing on Mother’s Day
You don’t have to plan anything.
As a mom, Mother’s Day is supposed to be about you. That means that if you are tired of making plans, you don’t have to plan something to do on Mother’s Day. It’s important that you understand that this permission to do nothing on Mother’s Day means that you don’t have to plan anything for yourself or the grandmas in your life. If you’re afraid that your mom or mother-in-law might be offended by doing nothing on Mother’s Day, be up front about your desire to skip celebrating this year. You’re just as entitled to spend Mother’s Day how you want as they are.
You don’t have to ask for anything.
If your kids want to get you something for Mother’s Day, that’s great! But don’t feel pressured to give them a list or send a link. Coming up with something for your kids to buy you for Mother’s Day just so you have something to open is wasteful if there’s nothing that you want or need. Ask them for a hug or a concerted effort for them not to fight for a day. That’s probably all you really want anyway.
You don’t have to add anything to your already packed weekends.
Weekends are rough these days. Between errands and youth sports and keeping your house from looking like a tornado just rolled through it, weekends are already packed to the gills. Sometimes fitting in something else (anything else) to your weekend can tip you right over the edge. Please don’t go over the edge for Mother’s Day.
You don’t have to celebrate Mother’s Day if it causes more stress than joy.
Mother’s Day isn’t supposed to be stressful. If celebrating Mother’s Day will cause you more stress than joy, I fully give you permission to do nothing on Mother’s Day. Instead, spend the day in the most stress-free way possible. If that means doing chores, do the chores.
Expectations
At the very least, keep your expectations for Mother’s Day realistic. Life never goes as planned, so be ready to pivot. If that means actually doing something for Mother’s Day when you really want to do nothing, go with the flow and enjoy the ride.
Other posts
Need other motherhood real talk? You might be in the mood for one of these posts:
Are you taking my permission to do nothing on Mother’s Day? If so, how are you spending your day? Let us know down below or over on Instagram @sarainseason.