What Moms Actually Want for Mother’s Day

I hate to say it but to be completely honest, the thing most moms want for Mother’s Day is to not be a mom for a day. Lucky for you–who’s reading this hoping to find legitimate Mother’s Day ideas and maybe some laughter … but complete seriousness–that generally will cost you nothing, monetarily.

1. To sleep in. And by sleep in, I don’t mean mom kicks dad when the baby wakes and dad goes to get the baby. I mean mom doesn’t even hear a baby wake up and doesn’t wake up, herself, until her body naturally wakes her up. This also means that breakfast in bed comes after mom’s already awake.

2. To cause dad pain. Most of us moms would gladly settle for the satisfaction and awesomeness of watching dad go through labor too.

3. To not clean anything. And that doesn’t mean the house just doesn’t get cleaned again until after Mother’s day. That means mom is not the one cleaning it.

4. To not cook anything. Once again, that doesn’t mean everyone starves for the day–just that mom’s not the one preparing food.

5. To be cuddled. By either the kid(s) or the husband. This means no talking, no expectations, no rolling of the eyes. Just cuddling, dammit.

6. To eat whatever we want to eat. With no judgment.

7. To not go on a family outing. The effort and idea is sweet, but I think I speak for most moms when I tell you that a family outing may be enjoyable but they are not relaxing. And they are not about mom.

8. To just be alone. I think most moms wouldn’t be one bit upset if dad scooped up the kids and took them far, far away for a day. Like a whole day–not just a couple hours.

9. To be pampered. Massages, hair cuts, mani/pedis, even just a long, hot shower–it’s all fair game. And it’s a glorious, rare treat.

10. To not even see a diaper or children’s potty. Because, moms everywhere would like just one day where the words, “Did you poop yet?” or “Ew” do not come out of our mouth at all.

This post is most relevant to Mother’s Day but is also valid for a birthday, anniversary, Christmas and Valentine’s Day too. Moms, anything you’d like to add?

 

5 STL Mother’s Day Ideas

1. The Ritz-Carlton offers a Mother’s Day Weekend Saturday Tea
At Saturday Tea, May 9, the Ritz-Carlton Chefs offer an event to honor mothers. With a decadent menu of mini-sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and a plethora of brewed teas, Mother’s Day Saturday Tea is relaxing, classy idea for a STL Mother’s Day gift.
The cost for this event is $49, or $39 for a cream tea experience (includes tea and scones only). Reservations are required and can be made by contacting 314.863.6300,–extension 433. To find out what other Mothers’ Day events are available, visit the Ritz-Carlton site.

2. Brunch at the Missouri History Museum’s Bixby’s

Bixby’s brunch will include locally-sourced ingredients for some of the gourmet favorites on the menu. There are three brunch opportunities on May 10–10am, 12pm and 2pm.
The cost for this event is $34.75–children are $16. Reservations can be made by contacting 314.361.7313, and more information can be found here.

3. Laumeier Sculpture Park Art Fair

From May 8–10, Laumeier Sculpture Park will host its annual art fair, offering moms and families several artists to check out along with activities and events everyone can enjoy. A Mother’s Day brunch presented by Whole Foods will also be held during the art fair on May 10 at 10:15am and 11:45am. Other special activities include Art of the Vine and Art of the Ale.
The cost for the art fair is $10–children ages 6–11 are $5. For more information or to find out more about the events and activities, visit Laumeier Sculpture Park’s site.

4. Get Crafty with CBS St. Louis’ Homemade Mothers’ Day Gift Ideas

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t bought, they’re made. Here are some simple, fun and crafty ideas for the little ones to contribute and create something special for mom. Check out CBS St. Louis’ Homemade Mother’s Gift guide.

5. Take a Photo or Make a Video for Mom around STL or right at Home

If getting crafty isn’t your–or your kids’–thing, why not use all the wonderful modern technology and city around us to your advantage? Take photos throughout the city or make an awesome video to show how much you care. There are even contests online that can honor and give mom some well-deserved recognition! A contest I recommend right now is one that shows appreciation for federal-employee mothers. This year, Harris Federal is hosting a “My Mom is a Federal Hero” Video Contest for Mother’s Day, where children can make a short clip explaining what their mom does at work and why she’s a “federal hero.” The winner receives a free Amazon Mom membership and a $1,000 Amazon gift card; two runner-ups also win $100 Amazon gift cards–both awesome Mother’s Day gifts!
For more information or to enter the “My Mom is a Federal Hero” Video Contest, click here. Deadline for this contest is Friday, April 24. Voting begins April 24 and runs through May 4. The winner will be announced on May 6.