Dear Dads:
I know some of you might be thinking, ugh..tomorrow is Mother's Day, another silly "Hallmark Holiday" just made up so I have to buy cards and flowers.
Listen, I can totally understand how it might seem that way. I have heard from a lot of moms this year, that Mother's Day in their house is nothing more than a normal day. I find that to be really sad, but I don't feel like you are all to blame. I truly believe that some of you just don't understand what it means to feel appreciated only ONE day out of the year. See with your jobs, you get reviews, bonuses and paychecks!! You know when you are doing a good job and it feels good to hear about it!
Now stop for a minute and think about how awesome it would make your wife feel, to get the same recognition! Motherhood is a thankless job, one we truly love and would never ever give up, but once a year we need you to understand...WE NEED TO FEEL APPRECIATED!
Just in case you are wondering why Moms look forward to this ONE vacation day a year, I am about to tell you some things, that they most likely would NEVER admit to you themselves. Having children changes everything about a woman for the good, and the bad.
1. As awesome as it is to carry and birth your baby, it totally changes everything about your body. Both physically and emotionally...it is a total transformation. Muffin Tops, Saggy Boobs, a remodel of the hoo-ha...trust me, she thinks about this every day. It's easy to loose those "sympathy pounds" you gained with her and your body image will go right back to where it started, but it's a daily battle with emotions for a mom. We don't know this new body we see in the mirror, and we can only hope that one day we might start to accept that new image. Remember to tell her she is beautiful!
2. Imagine being screamed at every 10 minutes by your co-worker or boss. Yep, talk about nerve racking, especially when you are giving your job your all. You never have enough hands, time or patience. Ever. Sippy cups thrown at your face, vomit in the car seats, markers on the walls....it never ends. Take over the tantrums and demands of the kids...all without loosing your temper!!
3. Three Words in the Job Description of a Mother: Professional Shit Cleaner. Yes, you've changed diapers...and seriously, thank you. But don't try to compare it to dealing with shit ALL day long. Shit diapers, shit in the carpet, shit on the walls...it's a giant Shit Fest. Take care of all diaper changes or butt wiping for the day!
4. As much as we love you, YOU are on our "responsibility list," along with the kids. Some of you are even harder to deal with than our little monsters!!! Stop your bitching about the linen closet being a mess, do your own load of white shirts and stop to pick up your own damn hot sauce!! We just need ONE day! Do one Motherly job for the day. Laundry, dishwasher emptying or diaper bag packing would all suffice.
5. We are our own worst critics. We are constantly comparing ourselves to other Moms. Sometimes I want to punch Pinterest in the face! We all try so hard to be the best, and seriously, it's impossible because we already are. Tell her she is an awesome mom!
So, for those of you who are reading this and are totally unprepared for tomorrow, here is a idea that will save your ass. See, we really don't want gifts to open, expensive Mother's Day brunches or foot rubs (although those are nice).
I know some of you might be thinking, ugh..tomorrow is Mother's Day, another silly "Hallmark Holiday" just made up so I have to buy cards and flowers.
Listen, I can totally understand how it might seem that way. I have heard from a lot of moms this year, that Mother's Day in their house is nothing more than a normal day. I find that to be really sad, but I don't feel like you are all to blame. I truly believe that some of you just don't understand what it means to feel appreciated only ONE day out of the year. See with your jobs, you get reviews, bonuses and paychecks!! You know when you are doing a good job and it feels good to hear about it!
Now stop for a minute and think about how awesome it would make your wife feel, to get the same recognition! Motherhood is a thankless job, one we truly love and would never ever give up, but once a year we need you to understand...WE NEED TO FEEL APPRECIATED!
Just in case you are wondering why Moms look forward to this ONE vacation day a year, I am about to tell you some things, that they most likely would NEVER admit to you themselves. Having children changes everything about a woman for the good, and the bad.
1. As awesome as it is to carry and birth your baby, it totally changes everything about your body. Both physically and emotionally...it is a total transformation. Muffin Tops, Saggy Boobs, a remodel of the hoo-ha...trust me, she thinks about this every day. It's easy to loose those "sympathy pounds" you gained with her and your body image will go right back to where it started, but it's a daily battle with emotions for a mom. We don't know this new body we see in the mirror, and we can only hope that one day we might start to accept that new image. Remember to tell her she is beautiful!
2. Imagine being screamed at every 10 minutes by your co-worker or boss. Yep, talk about nerve racking, especially when you are giving your job your all. You never have enough hands, time or patience. Ever. Sippy cups thrown at your face, vomit in the car seats, markers on the walls....it never ends. Take over the tantrums and demands of the kids...all without loosing your temper!!
3. Three Words in the Job Description of a Mother: Professional Shit Cleaner. Yes, you've changed diapers...and seriously, thank you. But don't try to compare it to dealing with shit ALL day long. Shit diapers, shit in the carpet, shit on the walls...it's a giant Shit Fest. Take care of all diaper changes or butt wiping for the day!
4. As much as we love you, YOU are on our "responsibility list," along with the kids. Some of you are even harder to deal with than our little monsters!!! Stop your bitching about the linen closet being a mess, do your own load of white shirts and stop to pick up your own damn hot sauce!! We just need ONE day! Do one Motherly job for the day. Laundry, dishwasher emptying or diaper bag packing would all suffice.
5. We are our own worst critics. We are constantly comparing ourselves to other Moms. Sometimes I want to punch Pinterest in the face! We all try so hard to be the best, and seriously, it's impossible because we already are. Tell her she is an awesome mom!
So, for those of you who are reading this and are totally unprepared for tomorrow, here is a idea that will save your ass. See, we really don't want gifts to open, expensive Mother's Day brunches or foot rubs (although those are nice).
- Wake up with the kids. Make breakfast, then clean the kitchen. Shoo her away to drink that second cup of HOT coffee and take a nice long, hot, UNINTERRUPTED shower. Take the kids to the park while she does this. Let her relax in a quiet house...this NEVER happens and would be a total treat.
- After coming home, ask her what you can do around the house. Ex: replace light bulbs, fold some laundry or wash her car (this is a biggie and should probably be done without asking. Make sure to remove the car seats and clean out the inside!!)
- If you can swing it...arrange for a sitter for the evening. Maybe to come around 4:30. Take her out for drinks and dinner. Make sure to tell her how you appreciate what she does for the family and that she does a good job. Two words fellows: THANK YOU.
