Though Mother’s Day is a much-loved holiday, mums everywhere will agree it’s not really a day of rest, says Evelyn Lewin. That’s why the authorities have now introduced International Mother’s Wellbeing Day (IMWD)...
Dr Antonia de Bavens says maternal wellbeing is a pressing concern, with 9 out of 10 mothers complaining of often feeling exhausted. (She admits the 10th mother fell asleep during her interview and was therefore unable to answer further questions.) “Our research shows that what mums really want for Mother’s Day is the ability to sleep in and drink a hot coffee in peace,” said Dr de Bavens. She said such requests are “quite reasonable,” yet rarely met. Instead, mothers are subjected to drinking weak, half-filled coffees in bed, while eating cold, burnt toast. (Interestingly, the researchers noted that 87 per cent of the world’s cold toast is served on Mother’s Day.) The committee decided that IMWD will occur on the Sunday before Mother’s Day. “We therefore hope mothers will feel somewhat rested when Mother’s Day arrives,” says Dr de Bavens. Mothers around the world are applauding this move. “I’m so sick of all the hoo-ha surrounding Mother’s Day,” admits Carly, a 48 year old mother of three. “In reality it’s just another day where I have to get up early and do everything for everyone.” That said, news of IMWD hasn’t been well received by everyone. There are those who believe that the committee should have instituted a more regular day of rest for mothers. This is what 39-year-old mother of four, Beverly, believes.“[A day of rest] once a month would be a much better solution,” she says. Dr de Bavens says mothers should spend IMWD engaging in “self-care” activities. “Eating whole blocks of chocolate or tubs of ice cream, sitting around in your pyjamas all day and drinking copious amounts of coffee or wine are some of the great ways mothers can boost their sense of well-being,” she says. While Dr de Bavens says it would be “ideal” for mothers to have the entire day to themselves (without having to care for others), she understands that can’t always be possible. “When mums have to still care for their offspring on IMWD we recommend they revert to toddler-like behaviour in order to protect their need for time to themselves.” She says mothers might choose to wear a ‘Do not disturb’ sign for the day, or, “Simply stick their fingers in their ears and say, ‘La la la la la, I can’t hear you!’” in response to requests from their children. They should also feel “no guilt” about throwing food on the floor if it’s not prepared to their liking (or on the colour plate they prefer). Mothers are also encouraged to “lie down on the floor and scream” if any of their requests aren’t met instantly. “We hope IMWD will soon be recognised as a vital day for mothers, where they can chillax and party like it’s 1999.”* *Please note, none of these interviews or research are true. Happy April Fool’s Day everyone! Photography: Julie Adams