Mother’s Day is a much-anticipated occasion for many women, especially new mothers. Yet, it’s also a day that can leave many fathers feeling anxious. What can a dad give that truly honors the incredible journey of motherhood? How do you find a gift that can possibly reflect the miracle of bringing new life into the world, nurturing it, and raising it with love and patience? It’s a tall order!
Often, new dads resort to the classic Mother’s Day staples seen in commercials: flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, heart-shaped pendants, or coffee mugs. Some dads might think involving the kids is the perfect way to show appreciation. A breakfast in bed scenario sounds charming, right? Wrong!
What usually happens is that mom wakes up to the delightful aroma of burnt toast and the sounds of children bickering over pancake toppings. Then, she has to pretend to be asleep while the kids excitedly serve her breakfast. Inevitably, syrup spills on the comforter, leading to more laundry for mom to handle later. After gracefully managing the chaos (because, yes, grace is a superpower), she enters the kitchen to discover a disaster zone—pans everywhere, eggs on the counters, and flour coating the cabinets.
In summary, the breakfast-in-bed experience leads to burnt toast, sticky syrup, extra laundry, and a messy kitchen. No, thank you!
Another common trap is brunch. It seems like a perfect way to celebrate: getting dressed, heading to mom’s favorite restaurant, enjoying a leisurely meal, and capturing family photos. However, the reality often involves wrestling with kids to get them dressed, battling crowds, and dealing with meltdowns before drinks even arrive. Trying to take a family photo that reflects joy rather than stress can be another challenge.
But don’t worry, dads! Here’s a little secret most moms won’t openly share—what we really want for Mother’s Day is to take a break from being a mom. Yes, you read that correctly! We adore our children and partners, but after being “on duty” for 364 days, we long for a day off.
What Do We Truly Desire?
Sleep—lots of it. Uninterrupted sleep. A few naps wouldn’t hurt either! We dream of a day without cooking, doing dishes, laundry, or any of the usual daily tasks. We want to escape to our favorite store, spa, or just enjoy some quiet time with a good book. We want to stroll through the aisles of Target without a care in the world.
To wrap up the day, we’d love to return home just in time to tuck our kids in and give them a sweet kiss goodnight, blissfully avoiding the bedtime frenzy.
If you think this is just one mom’s perspective, think again! I surveyed 80 moms with young kids, and the overwhelming consensus was clear: sleep was the top wish. Following closely behind were pampering and a nice dinner out with partners.
A Tip for Dads
So, to all the dads out there stressing over Mother’s Day gifts, here’s a tip: skip the flowers! What moms really want is the opposite of the traditional Mother’s Day celebration. Ignore your instincts and create a day that offers a peaceful retreat—a quiet bedroom, an uninterrupted shower, dinner out, or simply a day of relaxation. We genuinely need it.
For more insights on motherhood and pregnancy, check out this blog post on home insemination. Also, for those exploring family-building options, consider visiting Make a Mom for expert advice. And for further reading on pregnancy, the World Health Organization offers a fantastic resource here.
In conclusion, being a mom is a continuous journey, and it’s essential that we take a break every now and then to recharge.