May 4, 2022 Issue, Page 11 of 12

Page Text

May 4, 2022 11 Moms need How non-traditional families can celebrate Mother's Day timeouts, too No two families are the same. connections between stepmoth- press one’s feelings. Individuals _ offer advice. What may be “normal” for one ers and biological mothers, with also can recognize those people Mother's Day can be recog- While time-outs may be torturous for young children eager to get family could be quite unique to each doing her part to make sure who act as surrogate mothers, nized with flexibility and cre- up and go, alone time may sound like paradise to busy mothers. another. children are getting the love and It can be helpful for parents to schedule daily timeouts, though Because families are so differ- support they need. including special friends or co- ativity within non-traditional breaks a few times per week can do the trick as well. ent, days such as Mother's Day, Same-sex relationships workers who always listen and families. Timeouts can benefit moms who need a break during or after a Father’s Day, Grandparent's Day, Families continue to evolve long day. Such breaks can be restful and reenergizing. and even days devoted to siblings and same-sex couples are raising Any woman can benefit from a time-out, but working mothers or cousins present opportunities children. Among married same- for families to celebrate diver- sex couples, 18.9 percent of the How to plan a special juggling careers and home life may be especially in need of scheduled sity while honoring their family households have children under breaks. ‘Women who want to incorporate more breaks into their daily rou- members. age 18. These non-traditional Branch out to many caregiv- families can be creative as they Mother’s Day as pandemic navigate holidays like Mother's tines should know that it’s possible to do so, even on the most hectic days. ers Day or Father's Day. One way Certainly a person becomes a to do so is to celebrate one par- restrictions are lifted - You don’t need much time. A break doesn’t need to be extensive mother if she has given birth toa ent on Mother's Day and the Mother's Day has felt allittle less than normal over the last couple to be effective. Schedule around 30 minutes for the timeout. That’s child, But motherhood is a much other on Father's Day. However, of years. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of many just enough time to watch a sitcom, read a chapter in a book or enjoy broader concept. Many women families also can remove gender Mother's Day gatherings in 2020, and while things felt more familiar anice, steamy bath. are mothers to children with labels and celebrate both days in 2021, this year may mark the most normal Mother's Day celebra- + Choose a kid-free time of day. If possible, select a timeout period whom they have little to no bio- as Parents Day, casting love and tions since 2019. when the kids are away from home or you can be guaranteed some logical connection. Some may be relatives that filled the void left affection on caregivers however Pandemic-related restrictions have now been lifted in many towns and cities. Though it's best to confirm if any rules and restric- alone time. If this is not possible, make an arrangement with your by a mother who passed away or they see fit, Absent but not forgotten tions are still in place before making any plans, individuals who want Some mothers are not pres- to make sure Mom has a special day can consider these planning spouse to look after the kids while you get some alone time. was unable to care for children. + Find an enjoyable activity. Select an activity for the timeout Anyone who has stepped into the pointers. ent in children’s lives for various that you may not have the opportunity to enjoy when other people role of caretaker can and should + Revisit old traditions. There’s many ways to let Mom know she’s reasons. These can include death, or tasks require your attention. Listening to music, taking an exer- be celebrated on Mother's Day. special, but after two years of living under the specter ofa pandem- incarceration, illness, military ic, few things might be as meaningful to Mom as a return to pre- cise class, writing in a journal, engaging in artwork or other crafts, or Recognizing stepmothers deployment, or enrollment in a pandemic traditions. Book a trip to a destination you've visited on reading a book make for great timeout activities. A timeout is not the ‘The notion of the “evil step- rehabilitation program. Moth- Mother's Day in the past. If possible, visit a locale where Mom spent time to catch up on chores. mother” in fairy tales is inaccu- er’s Day can be a time of mixed her first Mother's Day as a parent, ideally staying in the same hotel - Treat yourself on occasion. Build an extra treat into the time-out, rate, Many children have very emotions for individuals whose or rental home that hosted you back then. If it was once tradition to such as a bite of a favorite dessert or purchasing a clothing accessory close relationships with their moms are not present, and fami- spend Mother's Day in a big city, return there and enjoy a day that or a luxurious body butter. This can make the timeout even more en- stepmothers - even retaining re- lies can work together to find recalls pre-pandemic life. lationships should the stepmoth- - Book a special trip. Millions of people canceled or postponed joyable, er divorce out of the family. Mod- ways to celebrate. This may be travel plans during the pandemic. Now that many places, including Timeouts can be utilized bywomen who feel they need opportuni- visiting the cemetery to pay re- ern families even include strong spects or sending a letter to ex- foreign countries, have lifted travel restrictions, families can feel safe taking off for parts unknown. Such a trip can be even more special if ties to unwind and put themselves first for a short time. it’s a surprise for Mom on Mother's Day weekend. + Make it a family affair. Even Mother's Day celebrations in 2021 were likely smaller affairs than some moms might have preferred. Unique Mother’s Day gift ideas the country and frequently open If Mom spent some time wishing more family could be around on their doors to wine tastings and Mother's Day over the last two years, make a concerted effort to wine pairing events. A Mother's include as many family members as possible this year. Encourage Day wine tasting can be special grown children to travel home for the holiday ents and siblings over to celebrate as well. and invite Mom's par- Mothers, stepmothers, pampering thrown in? Salons upscale restaurant. for the entire family and sup- + Get out of the house. A homecooked meal might have warmed grandmothers, and many more and massage therapists typi- + Schedule a paint and sip. A port local businesses. Check the Mom's heart in recent years, but a day out of the house might be remarkable women often work cally put together Mother's Day paint and sip session is a unique vineyard’s rules on guests. Many especially welcomed this Mother's Day. Book a reservation at Mom's tirelessly and without fanfare to packages that cater to mothers. gift. A session is typically two times those under 21 can at- favorite local restaurant so no one has any cooking or cleaning to do provide for their families. Even Packages may include massages, hours and includes step-by-step tend but will not be permitted this year. Just be sure to book a reservation early, as the competition for a table figures to be especially stiff this year. though they may deserve to be facials, hair treatments, mani- instructions. Patrons are encour- to consume wine, though other - Start the day off with a spa visit. Moms might have put pam- recognized throughout the year, cures, and pedicures. Gift-givers aged to bring snacks and their fa- refreshments may be available. pering on hold during the pandemic. Now that public health agen- moms enjoy a special day nestled can customize the services de- vorite beverages. With the right Mother's Day offers the per- cies have given the go-ahead to lift restrictions, a good pampering within the month of May when pending on their budgets. planning, well-intentioned chil- fect opportunity to lavish at- is undoubtedly in order. A Mother's Day morning spa trip can start children, spouses and others cel- + Dining out can be a treat. dren can turn the evening into a tention on special women. Gifts the day off right. Mother's Day celebrations in 2022 should feel more normal than ebrate Mother's Day. A meal at a favorite restaurant “ladies night out” and encourage that cater to Mom's interests will they have in years, Families can capitalize on that by planning a day Many people give heartfelt can be a welcome change from other moms to join in the fun. Or make the biggest splash. Mom won't soon forget. gifts on Mother's Day to express kitchen duty. Mother's Day is a the entire family can paint mas- their love for the mothers in busy day for restaurants, many terpieces together. their lives. The perfect gift may of which have limited menus to focus on Mom's interests and better handle the crowds. As a + Give tickets to a show or sporting event. Whether Mom Motherhood is the exquisite the things that make her truly result, if dining out on Mother's is a sports fan or she prefers the happy. With that in mind, the Day, Mom may not get the full theater or live music, event tick- tnconveruence of. ing % * 2 —_ " following shopping tips can help menu she desires. To ensure ets can make a wonderful gift. anyone find the perfect Mother's mothers have full menus at their Unique gift ideas include tickets another petson s everything. Day gift. disposal, gift givers can cook a to Cirque du Soleil, Shen Yun or - Explore spa packages. What meal at home on Mother's Day a Broadway play. mother won't benefit from some and then choose another day of + Give the gift of wine tasting, rest and relaxation with a little the week to enjoy a meal in an Wineries can be found across Kngegay, ay, “4224 Ba Pe wie Ni > iM United Supermarkets 2700 West Third Street | Elk City [580-225-2288 | ww.unitedok.com ress EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS 903 S. 10th, Clinton » 580.323.4400 1110 Hillcrest Dr, Woodward ° 580.256.5433 WWW.exnresspros.com CAR WASH & MINESTCRAGE 1203 S Main St, Elk City, OK73644 316 N. Eastern Ave, Elk City 580-303-4598 (580) 225-2500