The month of May is also known as Mother’s Month and is a time to celebrate all the mums of the world, in whatever form they take. However, some mums may be at a point in their lives where they may not have someone old enough to celebrate it with. New mothers may not be getting any Mother’s Day cards from their babies, but they can still celebrate the occasion with their spouses. However, mums who also happen to be divorcees or widowers may find this time of the year to be the hardest and loneliest. If you’re a single mum spending Mother’s Day on your own, don’t be sad. Here’s how to reclaim the popular holiday as a single mother, and make Mother’s Month a time of self-care and self-empowerment.
Enforce A Social Media Ban
Just like with the capitalism issue, Mother’s Month is also a big thing for social media. People will definitely be posting about this special occasion. And you may end up feeling left out, or worse, depressed. Social media on its own, without the sentimental nuances of Mother’s Month, can impact your self-esteem in various detrimental ways. So, it’s a good idea to shut off your phone, or at the very least get off social media. If you are on any, avoid opening those apps. This way you won’t spiral into a pit of depression at all the lovely stories and posts. If you do happen to see any reminders, however, just ignore them and keep your head high. Remember, your worth as a mum isn’t defined by one commercialised holiday.
Hit the Pause Button
Use this day as an excuse to totally slack off. You deserve it. Being a single mum isn’t easy, especially if you’re a widow. So postpone all chores, errands, appointments, meetings and any other stressful obligations. You don’t need to distract yourself with activities just to forget the significance of the day. Totally embrace the freedom and peace of having absolutely nothing to do for the next 24 hours. No worries, no deadlines, no traffic jams, no long queues. You are your own boss today so give yourself a day off. If it’s a workday, take a leave of absence. It’s just one day, your office will just have to learn to survive without you during that time.
Do Something Nice for Yourself
It’s nice if you have friends and family who will celebrate Mother’s Month with you. But if this is not an option for you, then you can always reclaim the occasion for yourself. A good way is to get yourself something nice; a dress, a pair of shoes, that pretty handbag that you’ve always wanted. Or instead of just being limited to material objects, spend your hard-earned money on some worthwhile activity. Book a day at the spa, go for a solo picnic, have a romantic dinner with yourself, soak in a bubble bath full of rose petals. This can be your own personal Mother’s Day ritual that you perform every year. Self-care is as much a celebration as a party, so treat yourself.
Spend the Day with Your Kid
Nothing says Mother’s Month than being a mother. Of course, some of you may want to take a break from childcare, especially if your kid is still an infant. So, it’s entirely okay if you relinquish your maternal duties to a babysitter. Don’t feel guilty if that’s what you want. But if you don’t normally get to spend that much time with your child, i.e. you’re a divorcee and they spend most of their time with your ex-spouse, then perhaps ask to spend the day with them.
Reclaim Your Special Month
Being a single mother is a tough job, but you’re doing amazing all things considered. Whether you’re going at it solo or co-parenting, it’s still difficult finding time for yourself. It’s important to remember that Mother’s Month (or Day, specifically) isn’t supposed to be a popularity contest. Instead, it’s a day of celebration, appreciation and love for the Queen in most children’s lives. So, take this is an opportunity to reclaim this special day for some well-deserved self-care, by celebrating your body and your mind. Mother’s Month doesn’t always have to be about other people celebrating you, or even at all. Celebrating yourself is far more empowering and liberating. Once your child is all grown-up, you’ll be swimming in cards, boxes of chocolate and bouquets from your offspring. It’s all a matter of time. In the meantime, you’re doing a wonderful job, Supermummies! Hang in there and celebrate you in this motherly month of May.
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