Mother’s Day is a rough, rough day for many moms. It’s a day where hopes often come high, with expectations of breakfast in bed with a bouquet of roses from Dad. Unfortunately, what we expect to happen and what actually happens can often be two different things.
Because it’s not exactly the most easily-remembered, hyped-up holiday, many people don’t take Mother’s Day as seriously as they should. Sometimes, your hubby will end up forgetting it and just give a sheepish apology instead of the flowers you want. Other times, your kids will just make it about them.
Believe it or not, studies have shown that Mother’s Day is often one of the most disappointing holidays in the year for moms. Around 40% of mothers fake their gift reactions on this holiday, if they receive gifts. 22% of all fathers openly admitted that they don’t want to get a Mother’s Day gift for the mothers of their children.
All things considered, it’s very understandable why so many moms get disappointed and feel resentful after the day’s complete. It’s a valid feeling. That being said, it’s good to manage your expectations so that you can avoid too much bitterness if things don’t turn out the way you want them to.
Try to treat it like a normal day.
In the dating scene, people who have the most fun are the ones who go on dates without any expectations. With that attitude, any upbeat events tend to get viewed as a bonus rather than the minimum.
Having a “no-expectations” attitude towards Mother’s Day is the best way to cushion the hurt of not getting a present from your family. By treating Mother’s Day like an ordinary day, surprises become a lot more exciting and you also gain a little more gratitude for the nice things they do
Talk about your expectations before they happen, and be upfront about it.
A lot of people don’t know what to do when it comes to gift-giving or how to celebrate Mother’s Day the way moms want to have it be celebrated. They also don’t realize how much having a small gift can mean for a mom who feels worn down by all the work they do, either.
In life, the best way to get what you want is to ask for it. If you are worried that you won’t get a gift, it’s a very good idea to sit your husband down and explain exactly what you want as a gift and why you want it. Putting things into perspective often works wonders for getting what you want.
Be realistic about what your kids can give you.
Though the average Mother’s Day gift costs about $75 dollars, it’s important to keep in mind how much an older child can afford to give. If your child is 16 years old and working part-time at Walmart, they are not going to be able to afford to give you a diamond necklace.
When you’re getting a gift, it’s important to remember that it’s the thought that truly counts. By keeping an open mind and believing that your kids are doing what they can to make you happy, it’s way easier to be grateful.
Practice gratitude.
There are many moms out there who are totally ignored by both spouses and children on Mother’s Day. Moms who have lost their children often find their grieving hitting particularly hard on this day, too. It might seem trite to say this, but chances are there are others who are far worse off than you.
If you’re really feeling down about your Mother’s Day, take a moment to think of five things that you are thankful for in your life. If you look around you, you’ll realize that you have a lot more than you initially thought!
If all else fails, treat yourself.
With some families, moms carry the weight of the world on their shoulders but get almost nothing in return from dads and kids alike. If this sounds like you on a regular basis, it’s time to take matters into your own hands.
Before Mother’s Day even arrives, hire a sitter for the children and book a nice day out for yourself–and only yourself. Or, better yet, tell the dad that it’s time for him to watch the kids. Give yourself the pampering that you wish they gave you.
If they balk at the price, don’t bat an eye. It’s Mother’s Day and that means it’s all about you.
