Mother's Day: Are Your Expectations Setting You Up for Disappointment?
Six ways to create a Mother's Day that feels meaningful to you.
Will you celebrate Mother's Day?
For many mothers, Mother's Day can be surprisingly complicated. Like Valentine's Day, it comes with expectations.
We hope to feel loved, appreciated, acknowledged, and perhaps even spoiled a little.
After all, we do so much every day!
We may imagine the perfect card, a thoughtful gift, breakfast in bed, or simply a day when somebody else takes care of everything.
And when those expectations aren't met? We can feel disappointed, hurt, unseen, or even resentful.
But here's a question worth considering:
Have you told your loved ones what would make Mother's Day meaningful to you, or are you hoping they'll figure it out?
Because expecting someone to read our minds can set everyone up for disappointment.
Being an intentional leader isn't just about how we lead ourselves at work. It's also about how we take responsibility for our thoughts, expectations, emotions, and communication in our personal relationships, at home.
Six ways to create a meaningful Mother's Day
1. Say what would make you happy.
A few days before Mother's Day, tell your partner, children, or loved ones what you'd appreciate.
Perhaps you'd love breakfast together, a handwritten card, some uninterrupted time, or not having to organize the day yourself.
Be clear. Communicating what matters to you gives others the opportunity to show up for you.
2. Communicate your wishes, then loosen your grip on the outcome.
Once you've expressed what you'd love, allow others some freedom in how they show their appreciation.
The result may not look exactly as you imagined. That doesn't necessarily mean the love is missing.
3. Ask yourself what makes you feel appreciated.
Beyond what others might do, consider what helps you feel cared for.
What brings you joy? What have you been putting off because everyone else's needs seem more urgent?
Make a little list.
4. Take good care of yourself, too.
Perhaps that means taking a walk, buying yourself those yellow flowers you love, talking to a dear friend, or spending half an hour doing absolutely nothing.
Or take a bath, throw rose petals into the water, and light a few candles.
Why not? You don't have to wait for someone else's permission to enjoy beauty.
5. Celebrate who you are beyond everything you do.
Here's an exercise. Write down twenty things you appreciate about yourself.
Not just what you accomplish for your family.
But the person you are and are becoming.
Your courage. Your humor. Your creativity. Your resilience. Your willingness to learn and grow.
You are a whole person, not simply the sum of everything you do for others.
6. Receive the love that's offered.
On Mother's Day, before getting out of bed, take a moment to appreciate yourself.
Then notice the affection around you. Maybe the card isn't quite what you expected.
Maybe the flowers are the wrong color. Maybe your child gives you a slightly sticky hug.
Receive the intention behind the gesture. And if something important is missing, you can still give yourself the kindness.
Celebrate the woman you are becoming.
Motherhood is part of who you are. An important part, perhaps. But not the whole of you.
So this Mother's Day, celebrate your growth, your efforts, your relationships, and the person you're becoming.
You can appreciate yourself, communicate what you need, and allow others to appreciate you in their own way.
That's not selfish. That's intentional. And that's a wonderful way to celebrate Mother's Day.
Wishing you a Mother's Day filled with love, connection, and appreciation—including your own!
Want to be an intentional leader at home?
The Intentional Parent Blueprint™ helps working parents develop the self-leadership, emotional awareness, and communication skills to build stronger relationships with their children.
Connect with Mooniek Seebregts for an exploratory conversation.