Updated: April 17, 2018
Originally Published: May 7, 2016
Every May, we celebrate a day dedicated to mothers—a time when we’re supposed to kick back, receive praise, and enjoy a well-deserved break from our daily responsibilities. It’s a day meant for relaxation, reflection, and a chance to bask in the gratitude of our loved ones for all we do throughout the year. However, the reality often falls far short of this idyllic vision.
Mother’s Day can feel like the ultimate irony of motherhood. It’s marketed as a day of appreciation, yet somehow, we end up carrying the same burdens as any other day. The expectation is that we will be pampered, but often we find ourselves doing the planning, cleaning, and organizing—yet again.
New mothers, in particular, may have high hopes for their first Mother’s Day, imagining sweet moments filled with cute outfits and heartfelt gestures. But the truth is, especially in that first year, there are no breaks in sight. Instead of lounging around, we often find ourselves working harder than ever.
The Hallmark version of Mother’s Day—the brunches, flowers, and thoughtful crafts—sounds lovely, but let’s be real: who’s really making those brunch reservations? Who’s wrestling with children to get them dressed in something presentable? And who’s stuck cleaning up after the kids’ attempts at homemade gifts? Spoiler alert: it’s us!
Take breakfast in bed—it sounds charming, but it can often lead to chaos. Letting children loose in the kitchen can turn into a disaster zone. One year, my daughter, Mia, brought me a plate of toast and berries that I was grateful for, until I ventured into the kitchen. There, I found jam splattered everywhere, eggs cracked and oozing, and my dog devouring the remnants of the bread. It was a scene straight out of a disaster movie.
Every year, my partner and I have the same debate about how I want to spend Mother’s Day. “I just want some peace and quiet,” I insist. “But it’s Mother’s Day!” he protests. While I love my kids and cherish every moment with them, shouldn’t this day feel different from the rest? All I genuinely desire is a brief moment of solitude.
In an attempt to reclaim my day last year, I managed to sleep in while ignoring the kids’ calls. I treated myself to a shower without an audience and even enjoyed a private moment. But it wasn’t long before I felt an itch of longing for my little ones. I missed their hugs and the joy they bring—and soon enough, I found myself calling my partner, asking him to come back home.
This is the paradox of motherhood: we often crave escape, yet when we get it, we yearn for our children’s presence. And there’s no day that highlights this contradiction quite like Mother’s Day—a day that’s all about us, yet somehow leaves us feeling more overwhelmed than ever.
For more insights into motherhood and family dynamics, you might find this resource helpful. It’s a great resource, along with this one, which provides valuable information on family planning. Additionally, this site is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Mother’s Day is often portrayed as a day of relaxation and appreciation for mothers, but the reality is that it frequently becomes just another day filled with responsibilities. Mothers often end up planning and managing the day rather than enjoying it. The irony lies in the fact that while we sometimes crave a break from our children, when we get that break, we miss them dearly.