Gone are the days when a simple card or bouquet of flowers could cut it for Mother’s Day. Today, all that millennial and gen Z moms would like is a breather. These moms are running on endless cups of black coffee and yesterday’s leftovers. They’re the kind of moms who aspire to be thoughtful, reasonable and tough-as-nails. So on the one day that the world has designed to celebrate them, what do they ask for? A day off, plain and simple.
What I want — what moms want — is hardly something you can swipe off the shelves in this world of conspicuous consumerism. Sure, a gift card from our favourite store is great, but is that what we truly want? Nah. On Mother’s Day, I’d love to do something for myself, feel remotely close to the person I was, without any hint of guilt or selfishness.
So, you don’t need to break your bank account to make us smile. Just sprinkle some thoughtfulness and kindness our way. Here’s a list of things that will work wonders for first-time moms in need of R&R, doting grand moms and even those intimidating mothers-in-law:
Pamper her with little things to help her unwind like a tea sampler box or some luxury sleeptime products Shutterstock
Help her unwind: If she’s a serious tea drinker, get her a tea sampler kit. And while you’re at it, throw in a satin pillowcase for a touch of luxury in the precious little sleep she gets.
Book a staycation: Give her the ultimate gift – a day off, literally. Send her packing off to a hotel and resist the urge to call her to find out where your child’s pyjamas are hiding. Trust us, you can survive a day without her.
Some time away from the constant hustle of everyday life, without having to worry about what is going on back home can work wonders Shutterstock
Make memories count: Moms rarely have photos of themselves in those little moments that count. We’re usually behind the camera, not in front of it – that’s if we get the time to capture a memory! How about getting a professional photographer to click those photos of her and her world, even if you cannot. Else, raid your phone gallery, print all the photos you have, create an album and watch her heart melt.
Food for the soul: A picture of true bliss? A meal without screaming toddlers, and a meal without having to worry whether everyone is fed! Treat her to a meal in her favourite restaurant, without the kids in tow.
When she doesn’t have to worry about the meal or keeping everyone fed, the meal becomes extra special Shutterstock
The gift of sleep: If all else fails, let her sleep in. The entire day. Let her lounge and laze around, order in food, and leave her be. Keep the little ones busy. Trust us, she’ll thank you for that one day of uninterrupted therapy to recharge her mom batteries.
With just a few days left for the special day dedicated to mothers, let’s make this year about giving her the space, mindset and peace she deserves.
The author is an economist and full-time millennial mother, struggling to cope with daily chores
