Mother's Day and Family Dynamics

gummibears and Emelle, don’t pander to them! I do love a card, with a personal message. I’m lucky enough to get a small gift as well, but that’s a bonus.

I am a mother and grandma but do not celebrate Mother's Day - they were brought up by their father to believe it is a lot of commercial nonsense!

As an estranged grandma, from only AC DiL and DGC, I will spend the day quietly, being grateful for all the current mothers I know, family and friends, and also feeling grateful (and raising a glass) to the mothers in my family who have been wonderful.

I don’t expect to see any of mine. Dd lives too far away and doesn’t do cards, oldest son will probably be doing something with his wife and children but my dil always sends a card. Have not heard from other son but expect he will be with his partners family .
It’s just another day to get through.

Feel much the same.its not about gifts or cards or fancy meals out. It’s just knowing that you matter and are cared about

IrishRose, the arms may no longer be little arms but they are still the same arms ?

I don't do Mother's Day. End of.

I agree about over commercialisation of Mothering Sunday.
Have no wish to be in restaurant eating indifferent meal in company of many others either.
I told those of my AC who live in UK that I will be cooking lunch next Sunday. All welcome, but no pressure. If they couldn't make it DH and I would enjoy it together and raise a glass to them.
Am fortunate that DD will come with husband and son, DS too but not DiL in waiting as her mother died far too young and her family prefer to remember her quietly and together. I think it is a day to be “celebrated” as it suits each individual. to those who will have sad days.

Gabriella, I’m with you on this one. There is far too much commercialism with all these occasions. You should give cards & gifts when you wish to, not when you are told to.

Personally I have never indulged myself with Mothers Day and as my children got older I’ve confirmed my desire not to get caught up in commercialism! I’m happy for my daughter and Dil to celebrate however they wish. There are a further 364 days in the year to enjoy their company which we do regularly! ??

But Barleysugar, would you want a birthday card in April if your birthday was in August?

Mothering Sunday is a very old tradition , sadly many now think of Mothers Day which is not the same even though on the same day

I too hate the commercialism of Mother's Day (or Mothering Sunday as like Anniebach, I prefer to call it) I have told my 2 DDs " no presents" but it is nice to get a card or a phone call. The fact that they phone and visit and are kind and thoughtful all the year round is quite enough for me. They do usually get me some flowers, but I don't expect it. All Mums at our church get given a little bunch of daffodils on Mothering Sunday. I think that's really sweet!

My goodness! I hope to have cards from my children but don't expect anything else. The5yll be busy with their own families I expect. And they have MiLs to consider as well. Yes it was lovely when they were small and i got handmade cards and bunches of daffodils from them (via church ) but those days are long gone.

We had engaged friends, the man having lost his wife to a very rapid and aggressive cancer, leaving him with two small children. The nursery the little girl attended handled the situation very sensitively. They helped her to make a card for 'Jane's day 'for her father 's fiancée.

So sad for you Annie.

Nice one Anniebach ?

When I married DH 26 years ago, I had no expectations of Mother's Day as I was childless. But my beloved stepson has always made a celebration of the day for me. (He and his own mum have been estranged for about 20 years) This year I'll be seeing the DGC before they go out with their mum and nana- divorce pending, then DSS is taking DH and I to his for rest of day. I shall be able to watch Wales play Italy in the rugby and DSS will ply me with wine and cook a roast dinner. I never expected this family and I cherish every moment of it. I know I am blessed with DH and DSS. Love them to bits.

"IrishRose, the arms may no longer be little arms but they are still the same arms"

So true annie and they need those long arms nowadays to reach down to their shrunken mum! 6'4" into 5' doesn't go!

You can’t go wrong sticking with the Prosseco ? & the happy memories, you never know next year maybe different, best wishes?

You have some wonderful memories Annie to hold onto which must be a great comfort to you. God bless

Mother's day is simply ignored by my DH and 3 DS. I don't make a fuss but I feel it.

I expect to get a small gift and card from my sons and I will cook dinner for them, DIL and DGC as usual. My son with children is divorced and my other son's partner lost her mother before they got together. My DM died nearly 40 years ago and MIL over 20 years ago so I am the only mother.

Had the whole family round for Sunday lunch yesterday and a deal of fun was had by all. When leaving D thanked me profusely and advised me that dinner was at theirs next Sunday and she had assumed I'd be free. I said, "Lovely is there a special occasion?" Some how I have missed all the hype! Still miss buying mothers day and fathers day cards, though for mom it was always a mothering Sunday card.

Yes Barmyoldbat, so many wonderful memories, I was so blessed she was my child.

Some of us will not want to celebrate Mothering Sunday, some of us will be alone, some of us will be with a large family gathering,

One thing we all share are the memories , the first time we held them, holding those little hands when they were learning to walk, the worry when the rashes appeared, the first day at school, the age when they became Kevins or Kevinettes, the day we had to let go as they made their own decisions and choices. The laughter, the tears and above all the love .

I remember a woman whose son was a serial killer being asked why she travelled many miles every month to visit him, she said - because I am his mother .

Whats so special about one day ?
For years now,my three children amd their offspring meet up with me on the Saturday,leaving Mothering Sunday for them to enjoy with their own partners,kids,inlaws etc.

My son in law always takes his wife ( my daughter) me and his mum out for a lovely meal....the children too. With divorcees perhaps a family meal and slit the bill