What Moms Really Want for Mother's Day
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As the mother of two boys, I have graciously accepted bottles of perfume and spa gift certificates on Mother's Day as tokens of appreciation for my efforts all year long. All good! Keep 'em coming, boys!
But the list of what I really want on my special day isn't so easily purchased:
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream
Breakfast in bed is charming, right down to the cold toast and dry eggs. But at least let me wake up on my own schedule that morning to eat it! No early birds up the stairs, even if they are carrying coffee.
To Enjoy the Sounds of Silence
Oh, sure, I'd love to go to church or brunch or the movies with the kids, but I want to enjoy in silence. No whining, no bickering or any of the other sounds of childhood that mimic nails on chalkboard. Kids, can you manage that for one day?
To Be Alone, Just for a Little Bit
I know the day is all about family, so why do I want to spend a portion of it by myself? Because sometimes my family drives me a little nuts. One yoga class is all I ask! We'll all be the better for it.
To Control the Remote Control
Maybe I do want to watch a made-for-TV movie about ice skating starring teens from the Disney Channel. So what? It's my day! And for one day, I would like to make contact with the remote control for something other than disinfecting purposes.
To Win at Anything
My children have now reached an age where they can beat me at almost any athletic contest. They can also outplay me in games of strategy. So, how about a nice game of Scrabble? I can still outscore them on vocabulary.
To Be Reminded of What I've Gained
Yes, some days I do feel like I've lost my mind as I navigate through the twists and turns of motherhood. But what I've gained is far bigger. Feel free to remind me in the simplest way possible. Draw me that handmade card. Frame that handprint. Make that lopsided coffee cup in art class. There is nothing more memorable than a gift from the heart.
What do you really want for Mother's Day?
Lian Dolan is a mother, wife, sister, friend, daughter, writer and talk show host. She writes and talks about her adventures in modern motherhood for her website, ChaosChronicles.com, and her weekly podcast, The Chaos Chronicles.
But the list of what I really want on my special day isn't so easily purchased:
To Sleep, Perchance to Dream
Breakfast in bed is charming, right down to the cold toast and dry eggs. But at least let me wake up on my own schedule that morning to eat it! No early birds up the stairs, even if they are carrying coffee.
To Enjoy the Sounds of Silence
Oh, sure, I'd love to go to church or brunch or the movies with the kids, but I want to enjoy in silence. No whining, no bickering or any of the other sounds of childhood that mimic nails on chalkboard. Kids, can you manage that for one day?
To Be Alone, Just for a Little Bit
I know the day is all about family, so why do I want to spend a portion of it by myself? Because sometimes my family drives me a little nuts. One yoga class is all I ask! We'll all be the better for it.
To Control the Remote Control
Maybe I do want to watch a made-for-TV movie about ice skating starring teens from the Disney Channel. So what? It's my day! And for one day, I would like to make contact with the remote control for something other than disinfecting purposes.
To Win at Anything
My children have now reached an age where they can beat me at almost any athletic contest. They can also outplay me in games of strategy. So, how about a nice game of Scrabble? I can still outscore them on vocabulary.
To Be Reminded of What I've Gained
Yes, some days I do feel like I've lost my mind as I navigate through the twists and turns of motherhood. But what I've gained is far bigger. Feel free to remind me in the simplest way possible. Draw me that handmade card. Frame that handprint. Make that lopsided coffee cup in art class. There is nothing more memorable than a gift from the heart.
What do you really want for Mother's Day?
Lian Dolan is a mother, wife, sister, friend, daughter, writer and talk show host. She writes and talks about her adventures in modern motherhood for her website, ChaosChronicles.com, and her weekly podcast, The Chaos Chronicles.
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