It’s the one special day of the year when mums get to call the shots. But what would mums across the country choose if they could have anything? We asked them and the results included having time alone and being treated – but most of all some much-needed sleep!
From being brought a cup of tea in bed to being taken out for a slap-up meal at a fancy restaurant, we all have different things that would make the day special for us. Here, NCT members talk about what they’re hoping for this Mother’s Day.
It seems that for many of us, it’s the simple things that make the day special. Just feeling looked after and having someone else take charge of the household chores and childcare for a while will do.
Rebecca Fyffe, mum to Jessica, William and Annabel, from Twickenham, Hounslow & District NCT branch, says: ‘I’d like my husband to bring me a cup of tea in bed and look after the children while I read the Sunday papers. Then maybe cook a Sunday roast!’
When we’re so busy rushing around all the time, it’s a relief when someone else takes care of everyday tasks that often fall to us. Giving mum a well-earned break is the perfect way for family members to show their appreciation.
What every woman wants on Mother’s Day is a REALLY good night’s sleep and a lie-in
And not surprisingly, sleeping in features prominently amongst exhausted mums. Kelly-Ann Hocking from Bristol NCT branch and mum to Lucy and Reuben, says: ‘I’d love some peace and quiet, a thank you and a lie-in. And for someone else to unload the dishwasher!’
Adreeja Chatterjee from Birmingham Central NCT branch and mum to Anand, agrees: ‘What every woman wants on Mother’s Day is a REALLY good night’s sleep and a luxurious lie-in,’ she says.
‘Followed (but not too soon in the day) by an excited small person delivering a hand-made card adorned with wobbly spelling and even wobblier hearts and kisses… And to top it off, a cup of the finest coffee.’
When it comes to presents, most mums agree something that’s taken a bit of love and attention to make is what they’ll really treasure.
What I’d like most is something home-made by the kids
Claire Philips, mum to Eliza and Jemima, and member of Putney & Fulham NCT branch, says: ‘What I’d like most of all is something home-made by the kids, that I know they’ve put a lot of thought into – it doesn’t matter what the end result is!’
Adreeja agrees that something you know your child has enjoyed making for you is more special than a shop-bought gift. After all, those are the momentos that you’ll want to keep to look back on long after your children have grown up.
OK so it might seem that we say one thing and then expect another. And, yes, while we love a home-made gift from the kids; we also wouldn’t say no to something a little special from our partners too.
We want to know our kids love us but it’s also nice to know our partners appreciate us and everything we’ve been through so far as parents. So, hint, hint, whether it’s flowers, posh chocs or something you think we’d like, a thoughtful gift from you would also be gratefully received…
Mother’s Day is, of course, all about your family showing how much they care for you. But that doesn’t have to mean that you’re together all day, trying to squeeze the most ‘motherliness’ out of every minute. Quality time can mean time on your own.
Mum of two girls from Twickenham, Hounslow & District NCT branch, Tamsin Warner, extolls the benefits of some time to yourself. ‘I love homemade cards and some flowers in clashing colours that the kids have obviously chosen themselves.
‘However, I’ve worked out that a perfect Mother’s Day does not involve spending every waking second with your children. Never underestimate the gift of some time out!’
For some mums, of course, time to yourself means more than just the chance to put your feet up with a magazine for an hour or so. Who would refuse having an extra special treat, and feeling like you’re not just everything to everyone for the day?
Naomi Migliano, mum to Felix, Scarlett and Finn and member of Herts North NCT branch, thinks that the ideal way to get away from it all is somewhere her children can’t demand her constant attention.
And why not chose somewhere that you can get spoilt at the same time? She says: ‘What I really want for Mother’s Day is a day spent being pampered in a day spa with nobody calling ‘Mum, mum, mum!”
For other mums, they don’t necessarily need a spa treatment – just some alone time, in or out of the house and doing the things that you used to enjoy most before you had kids. It can make you feel like your old self to have some uninterrupted time enjoying former hobbies which you rarely get time for anymore.
Sonja Baker, busy mum to Cara and Lexi from Truro & Falmouth NCT branch, agrees that getting out of the house is the only way to really have some time off. ‘As a Mother’s Day gift, my dream would be a genuine break away from kids, work, household chores and winter sickness. It would somewhere where I can relax and listen to music, read books and eat meals uninterrupted, and most of all get some undisturbed sleep.’
At the end of day, Mother’s Day is about you. Joanna Blanc, mum to Oscar and Zachary and member of Richmond NCT branch, says: ‘I think Mother’s Day is a nice moment for families to take note and celebrate their mum – an opportunity for them to show their love and appreciation.’
And if all else fails, just tell your loved ones exactly what you’d like this Mother’s Day. That lie-in is non-negotiable!
