Shh! Can you hear it? It’s the sound of joy from the future, echoing the bliss that awaits. It’s the delightful sound of moms everywhere finally getting a well-deserved break.
Dads, Mother’s Day is just around the corner, also known as National Mom’s Day Off. So, it’s time to start planning — and I mean now! Don’t procrastinate; a little effort on this one special day can yield benefits for months to come. Think of it as an investment that will enhance your family’s quality of life.
Every single day, the mother of your children is juggling countless responsibilities that you might not even notice. She’s managing schedules, organizing playdates, refereeing sibling disputes, experimenting with new recipes, coordinating transportation, wiping noses, playing superheroes, preparing breakfast, packing lunches, cooking dinner, listening to endless Minecraft discussions, folding laundry, communicating with teachers, grocery shopping, running errands, checking homework, and figuring out that mysterious smell wafting through the house.
On this one day, your job is to ensure she doesn’t have to lift a finger. You’re responsible for keeping the kids entertained and making her feel cherished and appreciated.
Start with breakfast in bed, but only serve it when she wakes up on her own! Give her time to decide whether she’s ready to start the day. And please, don’t let the kids handle breakfast unless they’ve had proper cooking lessons. Those burnt pancakes with gooey centers might be cute at first, but they quickly lose their charm when she has to pretend to enjoy them while still being hungry.
To really nail this, whisk the kids away as soon as they wake up. Moms have a radar for their children, and any chance of her sleeping in will vanish if they’re home. Treat them to breakfast out so you can truly appreciate the marvel of parenting. Don’t make a brunch reservation for the whole family; that’s a rookie mistake. A meal out with her kids is not a break, no matter how nice the restaurant is or how many mimosas are on offer.
Instead, grab some chocolate croissants and a hefty side of bacon to-go. Swing by the drive-thru for her favorite coffee — don’t skimp! Skip the non-fat nonsense and opt for something rich and indulgent. When you get home, arrange everything on a beautiful tray, maybe even add some fresh fruit and a flower if you’re feeling extra generous. Gather the kids to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day and present her with homemade cards. Set the tray down, give her a kiss, and then make a swift exit to avoid any bacon requests.
After breakfast, the rest of the day is a Choose Your Own Adventure! Tailor the activities based on what she loves. Does she crave a relaxing bath? Fill the tub, lay out some magazines or a good book, light some candles, toss in some fancy bath bombs, and then whisk the kids away to a park or elsewhere.
Is she dreaming of a spa day? Book that pampering session ASAP! Ideally, you should’ve made those reservations weeks ago. While you’re at it, consider booking next year’s appointments, too, to save yourself future hassle.
Perhaps she’d enjoy a shopping spree or lunch with a friend or family member? Coordinate their schedules, call the venue ahead of time, and leave your credit card on file to treat her. Encourage her to splurge a little.
While she’s out, make the most of your time. Get the kids to clean their rooms, load the dishwasher, do the laundry, and tackle any messy bathrooms. If there’s a grocery list on the fridge, take care of it. Look around and think about how you can make things nicer for her return, making her week a bit easier.
As the evening rolls in, decide on dinner. Order her favorite takeout or whip up her go-to meal. Leave her with a bottle of wine, a favorite show lined up on the DVR, and a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos while you and the kids head out for pizza. Just make sure to wrap up the day on a high note, loaded with treats and comfort food.
Birthdays may fall on inconvenient days, but Mother’s Day is the one day of the year dedicated entirely to honoring her. Go all out! Pamper her, spoil her, and when you finally collapse into bed at the end of the day, take a moment to appreciate all she does.
For more information on family planning and resources, check out Make a Mom’s excellent articles on home insemination and Healthline for pregnancy-related resources.