To dread Mother’s Day as a single parent?

[Mumsday]

Name changed for this as other posts are outing.

I’m a single parent to 3 dc aged 10 to 16. I HATE Mother’s Day because I just want to be spoilt a bit for the day but it never happens. My eldest is ND and isn’t really capable of cooking a roast without a lot of supervision (which would defeat the purpose for me) and the others are a bit young so would also require supervision.

We don’t really have the funds to go out as where we live it would end up costing around £100 for the four of us.

Then there is my mum, who also would like to spend the day with us and obviously I’m not going to ask her to cook.

Most years I just end up cooking a roast for us all, which I could just suck up again but it makes me feel so sad that it’s just another day of endless housework.

None of my friends are single and they all get lunch cooked for them by their husbands!

My dc will bring me a card etc in the morning so they do spoil me a bit. It’s just the meals really.

Any ideas of what we could do to give me a day off?

I'm married and my husband has never cooked me anything for mothers day. It's the standard cars and the same chocolates from tesco for the last 8 years despite not liking them

Could you maybe do an afternoon tea at home. Sandwiches, cakes, scones and any extras you like?
This could work out cheap and be prepared the evening before. You could set it up nicely and make it look fancy. You could have tea or prosecco with it too.
Doesn't have to be a roast.

Not being unreasonable but there's no way I'd be cooking a roast. I've requested a dominoes delivery if you need ideas 🤣

Firstly i feel for you and i’m so sorry it’s like this, I imagine you never get any time for you and it would’ve been nice to have the acknowledgment of how hard you work. secondly, please don’t be deceived, as there are lots of married couples who don’t get any acknowledgment on mother’s day (friends may not even be telling the truth) so know you are not alone. Sending hugs. Could you Get an M&s oven meal like a big cottage pie or just buy oven roasties and pre-chopped veg etc would that help your ND child?

Personally I would think of something I really enjoy doing with the children and do that. I'd forget about the meal, do chicken nuggets and chips or order a takeaway, whatever makes you happiest and is easiest. I look forward to a takeaway and even though I have a partner we don't really do gifts so tbh ill buy myself a treat and have a pamper on the day. For me that's face masks and a hot bath - I'd ask the kids for some peace and quiet to relax in a bath with a glass of wine and that's a big enough gift for me but maybe just think of something achievable that you would enjoy. I can't wait for a film and a log fire 😍

I won't be there on mother's day as I'm away on girl's weekend with 5 other mum friends. None of us are remotely bothered we're not seeing our adult children. My own DM has passed many years ago...
My adult kids have asked if Mother's Day can be in 6 months time like it was last year. Things can be different so do it you way

Why do people think a roast is difficult?

We have a roast every Sunday - ham, pork, beef, and occasionally lamb (saving that for Easter Day).

You bung it in the oven, make mashed potatoes and carrots. Easy peasy.

I'm married, with five children. The most I get is a slice of toast.

Mashed potato isn't a roast. You need roast potatoes, that's nearly two hours
of peeling, boiling then roasting.

You need ready made roasties in your life.

I was widowed when my youngest was 3. They used to make me cards and make breakfast( cold tea etc!)
It was always a sweet fun day but very laid back. Never been 'spoilt', the idea makes me a bit uncomfortable.