I have a love/hate relationship with Mother’s Day. I suppose it’s the same love/hate relationship I have with Valentine’s Day and Father’s Day, the forced appreciation that can often ring hollow (although Father’s Day is much simpler, I don’t have one so I celebrate my Mom instead, she’s the one that did the work).
Without question, Mothers of any type (this may mean a Dad too) should be recognized and honored. They, on average, do more in one day than most of us do in a week; especially if jobs and multiple kids are involved. They sacrifice their own desires daily for the sake of their family. And, if they are single parents, oh boy, there is no such thing as a break at all. No one deserves a day off more.
So, what problem do I have with Mother’s Day you wonder, as I espouse all the reasons we should be thanking our lucky stars for having a Mother in our life? It’s the bad apples, honestly. It’s the Mothers out there who have done more damage than can really be understood and still expect to be treated like a Saint. It’s the Mothers that assume their mere existence is proof enough that they should be worshipped above all others, even though they didn’t bother doing any of the important work such as guiding, supporting, building self-esteem, putting their children first, etc., all those things that are key to a person growing up secure and confident in a challenging world. And for some reason, it seems these Moms expect the most and cry the loudest on this day.
Moms, you undeniably deserve appreciation and are often overlooked. It is a thankless job. But remember, for the most part, you did actively choose your life as a parent so, while your efforts should be celebrated, it is in the poorest of taste to demand acknowledgment from your children and assume entitlement just because you gave birth. If you did your job right, your kids are happy to be there regardless of life circumstances, and will be (though it may take them being adults themselves first, but that's okay). And, just because you are a Mom does not necessarily make you any better than non-Moms. Non-Moms may also do a lot for children who are not their own so get off that high horse while your at it.
In the simplest of terms, see Life Should #14 and honor yourself on Mother’s Day by honoring the excellent example you set for your children; continue a thankless job because you chose it and it's the right thing to do.
Side note, no one’s perfect. And, unless you are Mommy Dearest, you are trying your best. Thank you for trying and keep it up. See also Life Should #18. :-)