Make a Memory!

by Tina Shaw
Editor/Publisher of The Single Parent Bible
www.singleparentbible.com.au

 
How single parents (and parents in general) spend Mother's Day may depend on the age of your children and sometimes even on the relationship you have with your ex spouse (as to visitation).  If you have access to your children on the day, you may like to try some of the following.  Many of the below tips will work equally well if you are a single or coupled parent. 

If you have small children, the trick is to do something completely wonderful that your kids are going to love.  If they are having a super fabulous day, then you will too.  I personally have spent the last two Mother's Day holidays at Australia Zoo and fully intend to go again this year.  You see, my son has a love affair with elephants and seeing him feeding those beautiful giants and the joy they bring him, totally makes my day. 

If finances are a concern, organise a family picnic.  Pack your favourite sandwiches, the cricket set, a big thick rug and some delicious desert and cold drinks and let the kids loose.  If the weather isn't up to par, then perhaps a movie matinee might be on the cards, or even a fun games day at home.  I even do this with my four year old.  We have spent many a day, starting with a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos, moving on to a Pirate Sword fight or two and ending with a calm Star Wars jigsaw.  The moral here is, if your children are having a great day, then so will you.  All of my Mother's Day experiences have been truly memorable and that is because I make sure that it is a day when I truly appreciate my son and revel in being a mother. 

If you have older children, then the fun really begins, as they will be old enough to pamper you.  Take full advantage of all and any offers.  If your kids want to make you breakfast, or run a bath for you, or do any other number of potentially mess inducing 'helpful' activities, then let them.  Encourage their thoughtfulness and praise them for their efforts and have fun with it.  Go with the flow and enjoy.  This phase may be short lived. 

If you have teens, then take what you can get and try to get in early if you want to make an arrangement with them on the day.  Their dance cards fill up quickly.  If the weather is warm, perhaps a day at the pool or beach, or my personal favourite, the home karaoke party.  There is something very special about seeing your uber cool children trying to belt out Rod Stewart's "I am Sailing". 

If by chance, you do not have your children with you on the day, spend it relaxing and celebrate Mother's Day the next time you see them.  Write your own calendar and get the kids in on the fun.  Follow this through with a crazy Christmas in July and make every 4th Friday Valentine's Day, just because.   

Whatever way you choose to celebrate your Mother's Day, make a memory, you will be glad that you did.