5 ways to make the first Mother’s Day without your kids feel easier.

Mother’s Day. A day that used to be filled with handmade cards, breakfast in bed (even if it was slightly burnt toast), and sticky little hands wrapping around you in the biggest hugs.

But this year looks different. This year, you’ll be waking up to a quieter house. And whilst the love between you and your kids hasn’t changed, the way you spend the day has.

It’s one of those tough moments after divorce that no one really prepares you for. The feeling that somehow, you’re missing out on a day that’s meant to be about you.

If that’s you right now, I want you to remember this:

You’re still their mum… they love you… and nothing will ever change that.

I know how tough it is, but it’s just one day… a date on the calendar… and it will pass.

And you don’t have to just “get through” today. You can still find moments of meaning, comfort, and even joy.

Let’s talk about how.

Let yourself feel your emotions

It’s ok to feel angry, frustrated, upset, or whatever’s coming up for you. Pretending you’re fine when you’re not only makes it harder. If you need to have a good cry, then do that. Acknowledging your feelings doesn’t mean you’re weak or selfish… it means you’re human.

Rewrite the Day

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be about a single date on the calendar. If you won’t be with your kids this year, create your own Mother’s Day when you are together or celebrate it when they get home from their other parent. Remember your children will be missing you too on this day and will want to celebrate with you. It's not the date that matters… it’s the moments you share.

Do Something for You

I know you’d rather be with your kids. But this is one of the few days where you actually have a chance to focus on you. So, what would make you feel happy today? A long walk in the fresh air? A quiet coffee in your favourite cafe? A day of doing absolutely nothing except watching feel-good movies? Whatever it is, give yourself permission to do it… guilt-free.

Reach Out

You’re not alone in this, even if it feels that way. There are so many other mums in the same situation as you, who understand exactly how you’re feeling and will be on their own too. Sometimes, just hearing “I know how you feel” from someone else makes all the difference. Reach out to them and plan a fun day together or spend the day with your own mum and have some quality time together. 

Stay off social media

All you'll be doing is torturing yourself with everyone else's highlight reels of the so-called perfect Mother's Day, which rarely represents the reality. You want to be focusing on things that are going to lift your spirits today, so take the pressure off with the comparisons and give yourself a break for the day.

Remember, the love between you and your kids isn’t tied to one day… it’s in the everyday moments you share together… the hugs when they come back, the “I love you” texts, and the way they still call for you when they need comfort. Nothing will ever change that.