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What are you doing for Mother's Day?!

26 replies

Henbird · 29/03/2014 13:27

So this will be my 7th Mother's Day as a single mum and still struggling a bit. I usually just end up doing stuff to entertain the kids (so a normal day!) but wondered if anyone has any bright ideas for making it a bit special? Ex-H doesn't buy cards or presents for the kids to give so they also tend to feel a bit 'left out'. Don't get me wrong I'm very happy to be a mother to 2 lovely kids but would like to do something a bit different this year...

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MissMilliment · 29/03/2014 13:40

How old are they? When DS was about 7 we started a tradition of him taking me out for lunch (he had the money in his pocket and paid the bill!). I was still with exP then but just me and DS would go for lunch. It was lovely. Now it's me, teenage DS and pre-school DD. We will be going out tomorrow and DS will be paying with his own money Shock Grin.

They could help you make a special lunch or decorate the table - whatever you want to do. If they're too little yet to do things for you, they will still be able to do things to help you make the day a bit special, and they'll enjoy that and feel important. As they get older they'll take more of the initiative, especially if you've laid the groundwork so they know what you like Smile

It's fine to invent your own traditions, kids love it and everyone else is so busy with their own families they don't notice or care what anyone else is doing.

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Thecircle · 29/03/2014 13:49

Ds is with his dad overnight tonight so I plan to have a lie in that lasts til at least 10am.

Then I'll go for lunch at my aunts and some home to watch breaking bad in bed with a gigantic bar of galaxy.

Bliss!

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Henbird · 29/03/2014 13:51

They're 9 and 8. I like that idea of getting them to decorate the table (also love the meal out but bit strapped for cash at the moment). I guess it is all about traditions. Will put my thinking cap on. Thanks!

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Henbird · 29/03/2014 13:53

Thecircle - breaking bad is fab! I miss Walt now I've finished it.... Not sure the kids would get it though :-)!

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Thecircle · 29/03/2014 13:59

henbird I love it. I'd kind of avoided it due to the hype around it but I watched the 1st episode ten days ago and am just starting season 3 today Blush

It's sucked me in and I literally can't stop watching!

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MissMilliment · 29/03/2014 14:05

If they are 9 and 8 they can definitely help with the table, and make you a card and maybe you can send them into the sweet shop on their own to choose some chocolate for you (even if you're lurking right behind them - I sometimes did this with DS and even though I was buying it myself, we both felt like it was a nice surprise for me). They can help you tidy up, run you a bath - loads of things.

I'm sure they'd love to do something for you, you just need to tell them and then before you know it they'll be thinking of things themselves.

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GiveTwoSheets · 29/03/2014 14:27

It will be just usual Sunday for us, took my little one out Tdy he picked me some half dead flowers and handed over the cash he was quite chuffed. My dad sent some money up for my teen to buy something i hoping she got me bar of chocolate rather than expensive card. I'm not one for keeping cards and other day I found a story my DD wrote when she was 6 it was called 'special person in your life' and it was all about me! was quite emotional reading it.

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Henbird · 29/03/2014 14:29

MissMilliment you are a genius! I think I'm so used to doing stuff for them I forget they're growing up and can do more stuff. Thanks again!

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difficultpickle · 29/03/2014 14:29

Ds is 9. I'm taking him on a 'mother and daughter' sewing course Grin

He got a sewing machine for his birthday last year and is keen to go but I'm not sure that he realises he will probably be the only boy there!

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Henbird · 29/03/2014 14:30

And of course I also miss Jesse, thecircle! Stick with it - it gets a bit slow in series 3 I think, but definitely picks up again!

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MissMilliment · 29/03/2014 14:44

No problem Henbird - you have the perfect opportunity now to train them up so that in future years they'll give you the perfect Mother's Day, all to your taste Grin

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Smilesandpiles · 29/03/2014 17:54

Fuck all.

I'm sitting on the sofa and the only time I'll be moving is to go to the toilet.

The kids will make me cups of tea and do the housework (not that there is a lot) and will pass me the phone so I can call for a takeaway.

I can't wait. I'm even bringing the duvet down.

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sandiy · 29/03/2014 17:55

It's no good for this year but next year get them to plant some bulbs in a pot for you.Then get some cheap clay pots and let them decorate and put their home grown flowers in even if they haven't bloomed it's very exiting waiting for the flowers to come.

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starlight1234 · 29/03/2014 18:34

Normal Day..Swimming lesson for Ds so no big lunch...I may refuse to watch kids TV all day

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pussycatdoll · 29/03/2014 18:37

Do you visit your mum at all if she's nearby? Apologies if you're bereaved

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SacreBlue · 29/03/2014 18:47

MissMilliment Grin great kids. Mine used to make me breakfast in bed - two slices of toast cut up into four with different toppings on each bit

Nowadays he's a teen and its down to a cup of tea in bed but that means more to me than a card as I hopefully have instilled the idea that its better to be nice to someone you love all year round rather than just make a fuss on one day.

I hope you have a lovely time with your DCs on the day Hen and bear in mind that they don't need to have the day feel special for them particularly, if you want to celebrate it, its about you - so if you are happy with a cuddle & them being extra nice then thats all that matters.

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clam · 29/03/2014 18:52

Pressure-washing the patio! Grin But that's almost a treat.

Dh will cook a family dinner (as he does every week, actually) for us, plus his sister and family.

Teenage kids have been shopping and came back furtively ushering bags upstairs after dh reminded ds who had no idea it was tomorrow.

Will have a nice lie-in with breakfast in bed like every week.

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Meglet · 29/03/2014 18:58

Nothing. The dc's are too young (and spirited) to be trusted to make my breakfast. Mum has sorted out mothers day cards for them to give to me.

If I'm not too broke I'll take them to wagamama's / italian for an early tea.

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brightwell · 29/03/2014 20:28

This will be my 14th Mothers' Day as a single mum, dd is away for the weekend but has told me she's taking for afternoon tea next weekend, no idea if ds(16) has planned anything (doubt it!). So today I've done all the washing & ironing, cleaned & tidied the house, done the shopping and mowed the grass. Tomorrow I plan on doing nothing! It'll be take away or cereal for dinner.

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MeepMeepVroooom · 29/03/2014 20:45

I will be spending it with my Mum, Dad, Brother, his girlfriend and DD. We are having a little party which means party food and prosecco :-)

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starlight1234 · 29/03/2014 21:52

I have also remembered DS wanted to make breakfast in bed( something clearly spoke about at school) I was going to buy croissants so he could just bring them up no cooking or spilt milk but they had none....

He did give me his pressie today as he thought it was Sunday this morning

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LyndaCartersBigPants · 29/03/2014 22:04

Mine are similar ages and want to make me breakfast in bed. Dd can use the Tassimo to make tea and the DSs will make me toast or porridge.

Ds1 is already moaning that if he's expected to hang around being nice to me he won't be able to go out with his friends, so I'm not expecting too much! But I'm sure the younger ones will be super helpful all day, so I'll be milking it!

I took them out for dinner last night as everywhere will be chocka tomorrow, so I thought we'd get in early (& save me cooking last night!)

My Bf is coming over later, after he drops his DCs off with their mum at lunchtime and will make me dinner.

In short, it will be more relaxing and special than it was when I expected XH to organise the DCs to do anything! In fairness though, XH has bought a gift for them to give me, but hasn't told them what it is as dd is crap at keeping secrets!

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LalaDipsey · 30/03/2014 08:25

We are going to goto church this morning then out for lunch (Frankie & Benny's which is less likely to be full of happy families with dads!!!!). Just hoping DD (4) doesn't need a wee whilst we're there as how can I leave DTs (2) to take her!!! Hey ho - you have to try these things. Am excited as it feels like a big treat :)

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feelinlucky · 30/03/2014 08:38

This is my tenth year as a lone parent. My ds doesn't see his... Can't think of a word to call him that wouldn't offend :) I've asked friends to have ds and I'm going for a spa!!!! I don't usually do anything but I would probably do something nice with ds like cinema or Sunday lunch. Have a lovely day op and remember how much you are unconditionally loved by your little ones :)

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Monetbyhimself · 30/03/2014 12:07

Washing, ironing and cleaning bathroom!
Going to let them loose in the kitchen in a bit to make a cake. Am scared Grin

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