Surviving the first Mother’s Day after divorce is possible. You’re a survivor and stronger than you think. You can  survive Mother’s Day and celebrate it.

The divorced woman’s assign and dine challenge for Mother’s Day

If you have children or grandchildren at home, assign them chores appropriate for their age and ability, so that you can dine on Mother’s Day. An uncluttered and clean house isn’t necessary. If you want it that way, assign:

• One child to sweep the porch or the sidewalk to the front door
• Another to dust the furniture
• Everyone to take their own belongings to their bedroom
• Older ones to remind younger ones that Mom is off duty on Mother’s Day
• Children to set and clear paper plates, cups, napkins, and plastic ware
• Children to make sandwiches or fix cereal, eggs and toast
• A potluck dinner with another divorced woman and her children
• A progressive dinner with appetizer and salad at one home, the main course at yours with all families chipping in for it, and dessert and beverages at the third place

Surviving the financial crunch the first Mother’s Day after divorce

• Each child or grandchild suggests an inexpensive place to eat
• You make a list of the choices.
• Each one votes by secret ballot or whispers a choice to you.
• You count the votes.
• Everyone pitches in from their piggy bank if pizza wins
• The same goes for Wendy’s, McDonald’s, or another inexpensive choice
• Adult college and career single children take you to a reasonable local restaurant on Mother’s Day.

Tips for Triggers That Make Mother’s Day Difficult

Surviving the loneliness the first Mother’s Day after divorce

Women are generally givers, nurturers, and caregivers. Exceptions exist, but on the whole, you and I give and give. When family, friends, or coworkers ask what they can do for you on Mother’s Day, tell them you want items for your gift basket. Here’s a list of suggestions:

• A coupon for one free evening with a friend and a babysitter provided if needed
• A coupon for friends to clean your home and have a tea party afterward
• Your favorite snacks with milk chocolate or dark chocolate as you prefer
• Fresh fruit to include your favorites and no citrus if you can’t eat it
• A list of friends interested in a book club with a free copy of the first book along with a journal and pen to take notes
• A coupon for free lessons on how to set up a digital frame for the family photos
• A scrapbook for pictures and mementos of the family
• Your top choices of herbal teas or coffee
• A gift card for a manicure and a pedicure or for a massage
• A girls’ weekend at the beach or in the mountains with safe care of the children or grandchildren if any
• A gas gift card to use on family outings
• A gift card to your favorite grocery store and going with the friend who gave it to you or with another friend

My prayer for you:

God, please be with (your name in all the blanks) on the first Mother’s Day after divorce. Comfort (__________). Fill (__________) to overflowing with hope and peace. Give (__________) special friends who will listen, encourage, and support (__________). Let these friends be women who will bring out (__________) strengths, interests, and hobbies. Amen.

Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega, May 7, 2021