The Do’s and Don’ts of Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, follow Domestic CEO’s tips to celebrate the incredible, multifaceted, unique individual that is the 21st century woman.
Amanda Thomas
I was recently searching through a calendar of holidays from around the world and saw that there is an International (Working) Women’s Day. I had never heard of this holiday, but one of my friends whose family is Russian said that this is actually a very big holiday in Europe. Think Mother’s Day big. Who knew?!?
See also: 35 Tips to Celebrate Mother’s Day All Year Long
What sparked my interest when I saw this holiday was that the word “working” was in parentheses. Apparently, whoever decided on this international celebration realized that every woman is a working woman, whether she leaves her home to go to an outside job or not. I think we can all agree that gone are the days of June Cleaver who has a perfectly clean home, wears a perfectly ironed dress, has perfectly coiffed hair, and a perfect strand of pearls around her neck every day. In fact, was that ever a real portrait of American life?
There are a lot of advice columns out there instructing you how to balance all the roles you fill: wife, mother, worker, daughter, sister, friend, etc. I don’t like the word balance. Think about balancing on a tightrope. You immediately feel tension all over. One false move and you’re a goner.
Instead, let’s focus on how to live today’s busy life of family, work, home, and more without feeling tense and stressed. Here are a few do’s and don’ts:
DO ask for help. We are not superwomen nor are we meant to be. Ask your spouse or partner to pitch in around the house. Also, children are fully capable of doing chores despite what they might tell you.
DO accept help when offered. Say “yes” rather than “No, that’s OK.”
DON’T criticize any help you have received. Just because something isn’t done the way you would do it, does not mean it has been done wrong. If the towels are folded and put away – good enough!
DON’T create a to-do list that’s impossible to conquer. Make a list of 3-4 items and call it a day when those jobs are done.
DO choose to spend time with your children and spouse over cleaning or running errands. Your children will not always be around and spouses are important to keep happy so they do stay around! Investing time in your family is always a worthwhile investment.
DO schedule “me” time. That means go ahead and take that long, luxurious bubble bath or spend some time curled up reading a good book. Maybe you just need quiet time to sit and think. Do not feel guilty about doing this. Down time = Sanity. If you just keep running and running, eventually you will collapse and then what good are you to anyone?
See also: 5 Ways That ‘Selfish Parenting’ Can Benefit Your Family
DO love the person you are. So you can’t knit adorable sweaters for your kids. Who cares? Do what you do best and forget about the other stuff.
DON’T compare yourself to others. You will never be happy if you only see your achievements in light of others. You are an amazing 21st century woman. Love yourself and it will be easier to love those around you, too!
How are you celebrating this Mother’s Day? Let us know in Comments below or tweet @thedomesticceo.