All opinions are always 100% honest and my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I also participate in: CJ Affiliate; eBay Partner Network; Rakuten Affiliate Network; ShareASale; Walmart Affiliate Program; independent affiliate networks.

The Tale of Two Mothers Days

The Snarky Mother's Day

• How can it be Mothers Day when woken up at 6am or earlier
• Children begging you to eat breakfast in bed even when it is the worst thing in the world
• Forced to eat a cold breakfast that's been repeatedly touched
• Copious amounts of handmade cards and presents which you are required to love and admire when perhaps you think they should be destined for the bin.
• The 5 Ferrero rocher chocolate flowers you were given at church were eaten by said kids
• Chocolates are a must give present only because the children know that they will get some

Begging children to get themselves ready for church, clean up around the place, go to bed early—insert any preferred behaviour—as gift to you.

The holiday itself makes you depressed because it is far from the serene, kind, full of willing helpers to do your work while you laze the day away dreaming of just how perfect motherhood is. When in fact the best mother’s day would be one where you are no where near your children.

We do that mothering thing 365 days a year…how about a No Mothering Day?

The Sentimental Mother's Day

• Little ones climbing into bed early with squeals over making you breakfast in bed
• Happy breakfast laid table sitting around it together
• Beautiful handmade cards with heart melting sentiments with ‘ If I could wish for just one present it would be you' ‘You are the best mum in the world'
• ‘My mum is special because she makes me my favourite chocolate and strawberry cake' (this made me laugh because 1- I didn't know they had a favourite cake and 2- I don't think I've cooked said cake ever)
• Presents from the heart, funny things they think you've always wanted, some surprising, some insightful.
• Handwritten signs welcoming all who visit into our house
• Tears shed at church from wonderful talks about motherhood
• Afternoon meal shared with extended family.
• Lots of kisses and cuddles
• A child writing me song about what a wonderful mother I am

Perhaps each Mother's Day is a little combination of both

• Too Snarky is just plain sad (and disrespectful)
• Too sentimental can feel so far removed from reality it seems a lie.
• Some years full on snark, some years full on sentimental with tears and all.
• Some Mothers Days are hard, some easy and blissful.
• An emotional rollercoaster—just like motherhood really!
• As I gather my cards (to be stored in a special file I keep all my cards from my kids)
• I see pure love and innocence, kindness and wanting.
• The act of me as their mother will be to turn their words into actions. Into reality.
• Low key expectations, some food, and a little family love are keys to a successful Mother's Day in my book.
• Extra helpful Daddy and Kids makes a day. Don't really expect a day off.
• And early bedtime certainly helps too! (Please a gift you can give me…go to bed early!)

What are your Mother's Day Tips for ensuring a great day?

Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.