Mothering Sunday is a day to celebrate the love and appreciation for all the hard work and dedication that goes into being a parent. However, if you are a single parent, it can be challenging to navigate this day on your own. Let’s face it, it’s more often the dad who organises and pays for the treats, especially if the kids are young.
Here are some tips on how to handle Mothering Sunday and make the day special as a single parent:
- Celebrate with your children: Mothering Sunday is about celebrating motherhood, so spend the day with your children. Plan a fun activity or outing that everyone will enjoy. It could be a trip to the park, a movie night, or a special meal.
- Treat yourself: As a single parent, it’s important to take care of yourself too. Treat yourself to something special, whether it be a massage, a new outfit, or your favourite dessert. You deserve to be pampered on this special day.
- Connect with other single parents: If you’re feeling lonely or isolated on Mothering Sunday, reach out to other single parents. Join a support group, connect with other parents through social media, or attend a local event for single parents.
- Get creative: If you’re on a tight budget, get creative with your Mothering Sunday celebration. Make a homemade card, cook a special meal, or create a photo album of your favourite memories together. Your children will appreciate the effort you put into making the day special.
- Focus on gratitude: Take some time to reflect on all the things you’re grateful for as a parent. Write them down, or share them with your children. Focusing on the positive aspects of parenting can help you feel more fulfilled on Mothering Sunday.
- Take a break: Being a single parent can be exhausting, so take a break if you need to. Ask a family member or friend to watch your children for a few hours, and use the time to relax and recharge.
- Plan ahead: If you want to do something special on Mothering Sunday, plan ahead. Make a reservation at your favourite restaurant, book tickets to a show or event, or order a special gift in advance. Planning ahead can help reduce stress and ensure that the day goes smoothly.
Mothering Sunday can be a challenging day for single parents. However, by celebrating with your children, treating yourself, connecting with others, getting creative, focusing on gratitude, taking a break, and planning ahead, you can make the day special and meaningful. Remember that being a single parent is a challenging but rewarding journey, and that you deserve to be celebrated and appreciated on Mothering Sunday and every day.
If you feel you need support, consider working with a professional. A CET practitioner can assist you to release your painful emotions from the past so you are more emotionally and mentally resourceful you can read about our reCET Yourself programme by clicking here.
Dr Lisa Turner
