Mother's Day 

Mother's Day post divorce can be challenging, especially if you have young children that find it difficult to plan something on their own. A few suggestions for getting through it and actually enjoying it:

- Spend the day with your own mother and pamper each other. Let grandpa or a sibling watch the kids and you and your mom go have a spa day, a pedicure or a nice lunch out.

-Enjoy a day with your kids. Go to the beach, a park, the mall, the movies, take a dance class together, cook lunch together. It doesn't really matter what you do, just spending some peaceful and fun time together without the distraction of errands and work and everything else is what the day is about.

- Celebrate with other single moms and their kids. Have brunch, go to the park, and put a moratorium on complaining about your ex. Celebrate being mothers and having these great kids.

- Volunteer as a family at a senior home or homeless shelter. You will be surprised at how many mothers are alone and will so appreciate your company.

- Give some hints as to what you would like from your kids, a piece of their artwork, a handmade card, coupons for hugs and kisses, breakfast in bed. They will feel disappointed if they don't get to do something for you, so help them with ideas.

- Help little ones prepare for bringing you breakfast in bed on the big day. Leave the bread and toaster somwhere accessible. Leave a bowl of washed berries in the refrigerator and a box of cereal. Leave plates, bowls and glasses on the counter top. My daughter loved to bring me breakfast in bed when she was little, even if she needed my help to be able to do it.

- Host a party to support people in need.   A dear friend is not only single, but she lost her beautiful 16 year old daughter to cancer a year ago. She started an organization to help families with critically ill children, Normal Moments. She is suggesting that people host their own fundraisers on Mother's Day, in part because it is not only a difficult day for mother's that have lost children or have critically ill children, but because it can be a difficult day for mothers that don't have another adult to help honor the day. It's a way to help yourself while helping others, and isn't that what mothers do best? Register your event here and help yourself make the day a celebratory one while giving back.