What Do Single Moms Do On Mother’s Day?

As I approached Mother’s Day, I felt a surge of mixed emotions, yet I chose to face the day with courage and an open heart, letting go of expectations and embracing the unknown. I pondered a profound question, one that celebrated the resilience of single moms I’ve known, my own mother, and my own journey as I accepted my new norm in my family’s dynamics: What do single moms do on Mother’s Day? I was especially inspired to know how those single moms felt who, like me, have younger children who can’t yet fully express their love and gratitude with grand gestures, poetic words, and sweet surprises, and who may still be learning to navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

As I reminisced about my childhood, I recalled how my brothers and I made a conscious effort to honor our mom on her special day with the little we had from our allowances, earned through completing chores. After our parents separated and our father passed away, our mother’s unwavering dedication as a single parent inspired us to show our appreciation in any way we could. We’d thoughtfully select small gifts from the Dollar Tree, things we knew she’d adore, and make a conscious effort to get along peacefully for a few hours, giving her some well-deserved serenity. It struck me as profoundly unnecessary to consider giving my own children a substantial amount of money to purchase an extravagant gift, like a designer purse, simply to validate my worth as their mother. Would I truly require an ostentatious gift from my children on Mother’s Day to feel confident in their love and admiration for me?

Mother’s Day holds different meanings for all of us moms, regardless of our marital status, much like our distinct motherhood journeys. I firmly believe that it is up to us as mothers to decide how we wish to commemorate the day through reflections, honor, and recognition. As a mother of young children, I would not consider placing pressure on them to make my Mother’s Day a grand celebration. I do not harbor any entitled expectations that could foster resentment if I do not receive a card, acknowledgement, or gifts from their fathers. The gift of motherhood, despite its complexities, prevents me from adopting a bitter attitude, even as a single mother.

I don’t know how individually single moms celebrate their Mother’s Day, but I know how I will choose to honor my Mother’s Day. I choose to revel in the day serenely with my children in sharing our united love language of quality time in fellowship. I am truly thankful that they selflessly chose to put back their slime, snacks, headphones, and toys to buy me some bubble bath to give me a little something from the heart for Mother’s Day to lather up to enjoy. I’m also grateful that although it’s cute I am a picky eater that probably wouldn’t have eaten watery eggs if they tried to cook, plus I still want to keep the kitchen safe from flames. My Mother’s Day is special simply because if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have been a mom in the first place. This Mother’s Day won’t just be my day, but it will be our day to celebrate.