Those complexities include so many different reasons people find this day hard. Perhaps you’ve lost your mother or are struggling with infertility. So many people had mothers who weren’t there for them, some are watching their moms fade away to disease, or perhaps they live far away from their mom. There are so many ways the day can be triggering and complicated and stir up trauma. We recognize all these complexities and struggles with the day. If this feels like you, then feel free to take a pass on this post. Celebrate, or don’t, in any way which feels right for you—sending you all with all the love and strength you need. 

Today, we look at single mothers. Mother’s Day is the same as any other day for a single mother. You wake up and take on the same responsibilities as the day before. No fancy breakfast in bed, no flowers, cards, or chocolate. Nobody is congratulating you. Nobody is splurging on you with a spa day. Just all the same duties that motherhood gives you day-in-and-day-out, without complaint.  

But it doesn’t need to be. 

It doesn’t mean you can’t take some time to reflect on the good times, your accomplishments, and your feelings about being a mother. Being a mother isn’t easy; doing it alone has even more challenges. But, it doesn’t have to be a day where people dote on you- go ahead and celebrate yourself. You deserve it. 

Tips on how to celebrate as a single mom:

Throw a party for other single mamas: 

Invite other incredible women. Let the kids play together while you celebrate yourselves. Make it extra special with some champagne or fun cocktails. Toast to your successes, and that you’re all exceptional, beautiful, and lovely women!  

Set your own expectations:  

Not only does this leave you knowing that you’ll get a day you enjoy, but it teaches your children to grow into thoughtful and appreciative people. Give them some money, take them to the shop, ask them to pick something out for you, ask them to make you a card, or request that they let you sleep in. Set your expectations by explaining to them why Mother’s Day is important and special to you. Teach them ways they can show appreciation to you. It may feel selfish, but it teaches them how to be thoughtful and appreciative people and will ensure that they’ll always honor the day with you as they grow up. 

Start your tradition:  

When your kids are young, set your expectations for the day. Keep it simple, yet something that you enjoy. Perhaps it’s the day you all go for a hike together? Or have a tea party in the backyard or make it the day you plant the flowers in the garden?  

Spend the day with your other family members: 

Celebrate with the aunts, grandmothers, and cousins. This gives other people a chance to show you some love and a time for you to celebrate the other mothers and supports in your life. 

Set up a photoshoot: 

Before Mother’s Day, book a photoshoot with your kids. Photoshoots are a fun way to spend some time together. Plus, you’ll have beautiful photos hanging on the wall and a wonderful reminder of a lovely day together. 

Get the house cleaned:

There isn’t anyone else to take on the dirty work as single moms. So treat yourself to a cleaning person this week and lighten your load. It will feel so good and give your more time to relax.

Finally, to all fellow single moms, you are amazing. Remind yourself- it’s called Mother’s Day, not wife day. So celebrate motherhood. Enjoy your day. Even though it’s tough and feels less fun to do it for yourself, it doesn’t need to be. You can still enjoy your day; make it what you want. Think of all the difficult bridges you’ve already crossed in motherhood. Be proud of how amazing, strong, and beautiful you are and how far you have come on this journey! 

Happy Mother’s Day!

The post The Complexities of Mother’s Day; Tips on How to Celebrate as a Single Mom appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Custom Art Jewelry

Truth be known, I’m the first to toss my kids’ art into the recycling bin – with six kids, there is soooo much stuff and if I didn’t get rid of it, I’d be up to my eyeballs in it! That is, until recently! Mamas, hide the blue bin and send ALL THE ART to Made With Your Art. The founder is an incredibly talented entrepreneur and jeweler and she takes your child’s art (you upload it and send it to her digitally) and transforms it into beautiful pieces – necklaces, cuff links, earrings and more. I have a big kiddo who is at art school so thought I’d check out how some of her pieces would turn out. Two words: BLOWN AWAY! What a thoughtful gift that would mean so much to any mama of little (or big!) kids.

The Perfect Bag

Moms carry stuff – and lots of it. Why not carry something that is GORGEOUS and practical. Best yet, once you get past the stage of carrying lots of mama stuff, you still have an AMAZING bag! All of Bags and Bougie‘s products are machine washable, lightweight and vegan – from fanny packs and crossbody bags to totes, diaper bags and change pads. The fashionable and functional product line has something for all purposes, from birth to toddlerhood and beyond. I’m in the “beyond” category and still loving it! Even better, use discount code MABELS30 for 30% OFF your order!

Beautiful Lingerie

We can’t forget about “the girls” in motherhood. And even when we’ve closed up shop after breastfeeding, we deserve beautiful luxury lingerie. I LIVE in these Mayana Geneviere products. The founder is a savvy female entrepreneur whose vision was to create a company that uses sustainable fabrics, allowing women to nurse without a clasp and then transfer out of the breastfeeding stage while continuing to enjoy the style and comfort of her beautiful products. Brilliant.

A Fun Tutu

Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw! I have a few of these beautiful tutus from Olivia Rose and have found them to be fun and versatile. Better yet, grab one and plan a photoshoot for yourself! Why not up your tutu game and get one for your mini-me as well! Is anything cuter than twinning with your little one?

A Forever Hat

I have always been a fan of hats – long before I had bad hair mom days and long before COVID locked me out of my beloved hair salon! Hats of Hardy makes influencer-worthy pieces that any mama will love to wear and keep in her wardrobe forever. Because they’re made from natural materials, the hats are naturally water-resistant and each hat is fit and designed with its own personality. A personal message or quote can be burned under the brim, or a small message on a metal tag added to the crown of the hat. Believe me when I say, these beautifully handcrafted hats will make you happy to have a reason to wear one.

‘Mama’ Swag

I’m a proud mama and like so many moms, I love to wear my title with pride! Little Buck really ups my casual mama hat game, but they ALSO have the most adorable gear for babes and beyond! If you’re not a ballcap kinda gal, the company Ash Co. has some adorable ‘mama’ t-shirts and gear that are sure to be a hit this Mother’s Day.

Great Cards

Mother’s Day cards generally leave me uninspired – the bad photos of roses and a scripty font wishing me a “Happy Mother’s Day” is a bit MEH at best. Why can’t card companies get it right? Wait what? Meet Peanut Butter and Friends. It’s a family-run business with talented parents AND kids who specialize in fun cards that are both sweet and cheeky! Now these are cards that speak to me.

The post 8 Mother’s Day Gifts To Treat Yourself With appeared first on The Mabelhood.