When in doubt, what do the
kids want? When my kids were young
they wanted to buy things for their mom and I would pay for it. I never received
or expected anything back from the other household in June. Somehow my kids came
through and would manage to pull something together whether it was from
school or some other small token. When the children are too young to understand
the delicate nature surrounding these kinds of holidays, it’s really more about
the children.
I’ve kept every Father's Day card, note, paper, or other gestures, mostly from their school days, placed away
in a chest. Every few years I come across that bundle and I look through it. I’m
betting they weren’t thinking, at the time of that painted handprint and “I
love you” or color construction paper tie, the number of times over it would be
enjoyed. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.
If we do it for the kids,
how do we approach it? If the other parent is absent from your child’s lives
you manage in the best way. Mother’s Day went unspoken in my household, though we
would still do a family barbeque or a road trip together into the Colorado
Mountains. I made sure this event didn’t go unnoticed.
Even if the other parent
isn’t involved, it’s still important for the children to recognize the positive
things on Mothers and Fathers Day. I’ve always encouraged my children to
communicate and reach out to their mom, regardless of what day of year.
Here are a few suggestions
for Mother’s Day regardless of your household status and gender role for this
important day. Check local events on the web for what’s active over the
weekend in your area:
- Road trip and a Picnic
- Nearby festivals
- Amusement Parks
- Dinner and Movie
- Botanic Gardens
- Family Barbecue
- State Parks/ Nature walk
By all means make a
weekend of it. I recommend anything, which brings light-hearted and easy fun to
make it a stress free day.
If the other parent is
involved in your children’s lives, there’s a certain amount of respect I believe
we should give our co-parent. Even in dire situations between co-parents, it’s
really about the relationships between the kids and their mom. Give the appropriate time
for the kids regardless of what the divorce decree says.
So what’s in a Mom? Here
is a short list of what I’ve learned:
“…that
loves her child unconditionally to the end of time. She nurtures, cares,
teaches, reprimands (when needed), educates, and gives all the love in her
heart for her children.”
“I would say that a mother is that one person in your life that shows sensitivity,
friendship, understanding, shoulder to cry on…”
“…she only
wants the best for you, and you never really realize it till you become grown.
she worries about you all the time, even when you didn’t know there was
anything for her to worry about.”
“When I
think of Mom I think of unending love, kindness, self sacrifice and hard work.”
“I do have
a 15 year old stepdaughter. Our relationship proves that you don’t have to give
birth to be a mother.”
“That will
always forgive and protect you even if that means putting their life before
your own. They should also do whatever they possibly can to guide you down the
right path, teach you and be a positive role model.”
God bless all the fabulous
moms. Happy Mothers Day!
Bruce Buccio resides in Colorado, USA, with his beautiful new wife, is loving dad, Author of "Parenting After Divorce: Rebuilding Your Life And Reaffirming the Relationships that Matter (2013)," court appointed state child advocate and expert counseling families professionally in parenting, relationship, personal growth and life changes. Today, he writes primarily inspired by experiences raising his children as single dad, but also writes about inspiration, growth, and love.
Photo courtesy "destinationdreamsanddogs.com"
© 2014 Bruce Buccio
