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Someone Asks Moms “What Do You Actually Want For Mother’s Day” And 30 Deliver Honest Responses
Mother’s Day is right around the corner—and that’s true no matter what corner of the world you live in. It’s one of the quirks of humankind that different countries mark the celebration on different dates. However, that only highlights the importance of treating our moms with love, care, and respect throughout the year, not just once a year.
Redditor u/zxkool started a viral discussion on r/AskReddit after asking the moms who use the platform about what they actually want for Mother’s Day. Their answers were extremely enlightening, and we’ve collected the most insightful ones to share with you. Scroll down for their open and honest posts.
Parenting blogger Samantha Scroggin, who runs the wonderfully witty Walking Outside in Slippers page, was kind enough to share her thoughts with Bored Panda on what moms would appreciate the most on Mother's Day. Check out Samantha's awesome insights below!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I had a miscarriage because my medical care providers refused to listen to me. My uterus pressed on the lines to my bladder and gave me an infection (really simple and common thing to happen durring pregnancy its completely treatable and should never be more than a mild inconvenience) I went septic and we almost died together.
What I want for mother's day is for women and especially women of color to stop receiving medical care worse than that of a third world country.
If I get a second request it would be universal healthcare. I'm over 16000 in debt for someone who attempted to kill me and my child. This is insane and I have no way of paying it. Even if I did why would I want to? Everytime I receive a bill it makes me break down in tears in a combination of "I lost my baby" and "I can't afford this"
Bored Panda was interested to find out what any mom's family members can do to make Mother's Day extra special. Blogger Samantha told us what moms appreciate the most on this day. (We hope you're all taking notes!)
"Speaking for myself at least and hearing from other moms I've talked to on the topic of Mother's Day, we really just want to be shown appreciation for all we do and are," she opened up to us.
"Hand-made cards from my kids and coupons to help me with chores are at least as welcome as store-bought gifts," Samantha said.
"My husband has helped the kids make me breakfast in bed, and that was thoughtful and adorable. Bonus points if Mom doesn't have to clean up her own breakfast in bed!"
#2
A clean house, a long nap, and to not have to see my mother-in-law this year. It always turns into her day but hi, I'm a mom too.
Wysteria_Rose 1 year ago
Not sure why the husband can't go out to take mother-in-law out for brunch or something and let OP stay home and enjoy a nap.
#3
I want to spend the whole day with my 2 year old somewhere fun for two year olds.
I’ve been so poor for so long that my one mom wish is having the $20 or whatever and an Uber to take him to one of those awesome toddler playgrounds.
I know it’s dumb, but seeing his face every time he gets to have a new awesome experience (like swimming, or the egg hunt I did for him last week) he gets this expression, like the sun just came up for the first time.
I’d go pluck the moon for him to play with if I could.
But hey, I just started a job and I might get paid just in time for Mother’s Day.
My mom is dead, but what I wish I did with her is take her for new experiences. I used to do the “buy mom a maid service” thing, or buy mom flowers, but I wish I had taken her for flying lessons or cooking classes or some memory like that.
Call your moms, people. Go do things with them. I didn’t think I’d lose mine by 25, and it happened so fast.
Edit: I think Reddit might have done it again! If it all works out I’m going to take us to the toddler playground AND the aquarium. His little mind’s going to be blown; I’m so happy :)
Cooter McCoughlin 1 year ago
How do I find this mom to send her money so she can do this once a month?
We all know that we should show our moms how much we appreciate and care about them throughout the year, not just on a single day once a year. However, we all sometimes need gentle reminders... as well as creative ideas on how to show our love. Samantha shared a few spot-on thoughts on how everyone can do this.
"Words and hugs go a long way for me towards showing appreciation," the founder of the Walking Outside in Slippers blog told Bored Panda.
"Hearing 'I love you' from my kids never loses its luster. That said, I always welcome kids doing their chores without whining and complaining," she said.
"And spouses or partners showing gratitude and appreciation is so important as well."
#4
Debbie Downer here, but as a mom to a recently stillborn son all I want is to be acknowledged as a real mother.
Edit: oh wow, thank you all so so much... feeling like a mom after loss is something I struggle with a lot and I know I’m not going to be the only mom without a baby in her arms this Mother’s Day. If there’s anyone in your life in my shoes I encourage you to reach out with the same love and support you’ve shown me as this may be a very tough time of year for them.
#5
I actually want my husband's cancer to vanish so we can continue enjoying our family and each other. I'm so scared of losing him.
That One Weird Bi 1 year ago
I'm so sorry this is happening to you. Stay strong and good luck <3
#6
A large spliff. An afternoon alone with the dog on a forest trail. A steak dinner and a bath with a movie in a clean house.
I’m a simple woman LOL.
The fact remains that moms and working women still aren’t as respected as they should be. Unfortunately, there is an unwritten expectation, even in the West, that women will tackle the majority of the housework and even the chores in the office. CNN recently reported on how wives who earn as much as their husbands or more still end up spending far more time on housework and childcare.
“Even as financial contributions have become more equal in marriages, the way couples divide their time between paid work and home life remains unbalanced,” the Pew Research Center, which conducted the study, pointed out. Researchers found that in 29% of heterosexual marriages, women and men earn around the same amount of money, roughly $60,000 per year.
“Husbands in egalitarian marriages spend about 3.5 hours more per week on leisure activities than wives do. Wives in these marriages spend roughly 2 hours more per week on caregiving than husbands do and about 2.5 hours more on housework.”
According to the researchers, the only marriages where the husbands spend as much time on housework as their wives is when the latter are the sole breadwinners in the family. Of course, women are earning more than half a century ago when the husbands were the primary breadwinners in 86% of marriages. However, there’s still a long way to go until there’s equity not just in terms of wages, but also in unpaid housework.
#7
Brand new mom (7 weeks) and I would love a big dinner and dessert because I’ve been eating like c**p and haven’t been able to really cook while caring for the baby. I’d also like to take a long bath and maybe get a pedicure.
#8
Just a day where I get home from work, they've done their chores and they aren't bickering over nothing.
It's not a lot, really...
Junebugjump! 1 year ago
It isn’t. It’s terrible to always have to go to DEFCON 1 or be the enforcer. I hope they also do NOT ask why you always yell. This made me insane.
We can get so used to our local celebrations that we can completely forget that the rest of the world might do things differently. Some countries like Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Portugal, and Spain celebrate Mother’s Day on the first Sunday of May. (That falls on May 7 in 2023, so you’d better be getting ready!)
However, the vast majority of the world marks the celebration on the second Sunday of May (i.e. May 14 this year and May 12 in 2024), from Australia, Belgium, and Brazil to Canada, Peru, and the United States.
#10
Gift voucher for a massage, a clean house and the lawns mowed. And a charcuterie board and a bottle of paired white wine all to myself.
#11
I never knew children and SOs were the main reason for mother's stress. Will try to do better for my mom starting with the dishes.
#12
One night in a hotel to sleep....and to come home to a clean house that wasn’t cleaned by me.
EDIT: k WOW, this really blew up. A silver and GOLD?!😭
To those saying something about my relationship and me doing all the work. My husband cleans (and cooks and does laundry) lol but moms everywhere know it’s not the same as when we clean. When my babies wake up in the middle of the night they’re not looking for daddy, they want mommy. That is all.💗
Some nations like the United Kingdom and Nigeria, however, celebrate Mother’s Day a bit earlier, on the fourth Sunday in Lent, known as Mothering Sunday (which fell on March 19 this year).
Other outliers include Norway which celebrates moms and motherhood on the second Sunday of February (which fell on the 12th in 2023). Countries like Albania, Armenia, and Bulgaria combine Mother’s Day with International Women’s Day, March 8. Meanwhile, Poland celebrates Mother’s Day on May 26, Thailand does it on August 12, and Indonesia does so late in the year, on December 22.
#13
A day alone. A whole day. To sleep in. To shower as long as I want. To nap. To drink my tea and coffee HOT. To go to the bathroom uninterrupted. To nap again. To peruse through the shopping centre at my own leisure. To not be bombarded with a million questions (majority of which are "Why?").
*I love my kids. But f**k I would love just one day off.*
Rachel Mion 1 year ago
This is what I used to get for Mother's Day when the kids were at home. Priceless.
#14
For my husband to go down on me again at least once.
#15
To not have to hide in the bathroom to eat ice cream or sweets by myself. My 3 year old can hear the wrapper on a Klondike bar from a mile away.
#16
I want a picture of my son and I. I’m a single mom, so all of our pictures are selfies. I would love for someone to offer to take our picture.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 1 year ago
I think if you were to ask, this could be achieved. People may not offer for fear of looking like a weirdo.
#17
Not a Mom, but check this out:
You pay a maid to clean your house. While she's cleaning, you go to the spa for a scrub and massage. While you're getting scrubbed, you get your car washed and detailed.
Just imagine that drive home.
#18
I have a 17 year-old daughter, and I’m a single mom. I’d like to be able to sleep late (she could feed the dog & put him outside, and make her own breakfast). Then I’d like a letter from her saying she loves me, and remembering some of the times we’ve enjoyed or that I helped her
I became a single mom by adopting my daughter when she was 2. I remember how hurt I used to feel on Mother’s Day back when I was discouraged that I might not ever have a child. And honestly, I think of my child’s birth mom, too, on Mother’s Day (she is deceased), and I know it’s a bittersweet, mixed-up feelings kind of day for all adoptees, birth mothers, and adoptive mothers.
Salty Sasquatch 1 year ago
Shouldn't a 17 year old be capable of making herself breakfast, at the very least??
#19
A nice card with a heartfelt message in it, hopefully giving me a clue that my kids have noticed I'm a person and not a kitchen appliance.
Dawn Marie 1 year ago
I'm an empty nester to a 24 year old son and a 29 year old daughter. I would love a phone call on Mother's Day. I usually get a simple text with the 3 words. They live over 1500 miles away and I should feel lucky, but I would still like to hear their voices. I do talk to my daughter often, and my son about once a month. Am I being the AH?
#20
I wanna go to Target alone and get Starbucks and live my best basic b***h life for two hours.
Also, I wanna bang my hot husband. He's the reason I'm a mama.
#22
A professional housecleaning service to come and clean my house. I honestly think most moms would love this.
#23
I want to go to the park with my husband and son. Maybe go out for lunch somewhere together. And I don't want to be the one to have to initiate things we do together as a family.
I'm editing to add this because I have gotten comments that make a good point: It's a good idea to be appreciative of any attempts by your partner when s/he makes an attempt to plan things. The best way to encourage this behavior to reward any little attempt they make rather than complain when they do try.
#24
I’d really just be excited to get uninterrupted sleep for a night.
Anna Drever 1 year ago
I’m grandma age now but I remember that time in my life and how exhausted you get from broken sleep. I told my doctor I couldn’t sleep the night through and he offered me sleeping pills. It wasn’t ME that needed the sleeping pills. 😭 (Just in case anyone misunderstands I would never have drugged my children)
#25
A clean house, solid uninterrupted d**k down from my husband and dinner I dont have to cook or clean up. Not in any particular order.
#26
I want a house that stays clean for more than an hour, a meal I didn't make that I dont have to clean after, and a lovely day with my children and husband without having to worry about spending money. And chocolate, and a nap I don't have to set an alarm for.
#27
A day off. But a proper day off, where they actually take care of everything I do, so it's not just do nothing on mothers day do twice as much to catch up the day after
eta: my husband does his share as a father, but I'm a stay at home mom, so, yeah lol
#28
I want McDonalds and while I eat that I wanna watch whatever the hell **I** wanna watch on the damn tv without any b***hing or whining.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 1 year ago
Poor honey. This is called Monday and Thursday at my house.
#29
What I’ve learned from this thread is a clean house and if they have kids living with them, either time with them or a short break from them, is all that they want for Mother’s Day.
And my mom has told me that she wants a clean house every year yet I still clicked on this thread to see what I should get for her.
The Other Other White Meat 1 year ago
It took me far too long to realize that my mom just wanted our help in the garden... time together, digging our hands in the dirt, fresh air and sunshine, tending to the beautiful masterpiece she created. Sometimes it's as simple as that 💛
#30
Champagne.
Someone to come deep clean my house.
Someone to cook me dinner while I sit on the couch with a drink.
What do you think ?
lenka 1 year ago
24 hours alone. Every year the weekend before or after mother's day (mothers day itself I reserve for the kids) I take a weekend for myself. I book a hotel, not far, usually somewhere reasonably close but nice with a sauna, swimming pool and restaurant. I take a sauna, have a swim, take a book down to the bar, drink wine, read, meander into the restaurant have a nice meal, head up to my room chill out alone in the silence. It's pure bliss.
Nikki D 1 year ago
My mom died recently. My neighbor and plant mother treats me like her child. Can I shower her with everything I used to do for my mom? I know her kids won't do anything, just wondering if that would be appropriate. Nice earrings, a cool plant, and a handmade card. Would that be weird?
lenka 1 year ago
Not at all. I am sure she will appreciate it and I am glad you have someone in your love to keep sharing "mom love" with you.
Load More Replies...
Caro Caro 1 year ago
The things these women want are so little and simple (humble). I can't get my head around the fact that they need some me-time, rest, affection and peace and quiet. Jees. I kinda feel sorry for them.
lenka 1 year ago
I think when you are a mum of very young kids, its very hard to learn to prioritise yourself, and of course when you do, you face judgement (at least I did). I am pretty good at taking time to myself, hanging out with my girlfriends and prioritising myself on a regular basis and my husband does 50% of the cleaning, cooking, shopping and parenting, but time alone is still what I ask for for mothers day because between work and parenting and life, time is still my most valuable resource.
Load More Replies...
Sandy D 1 year ago
I would like a back and neck that isn't causing constant pain, so a brand new, fully functioning, pain free spine! Not asking much, am I 😜
TheGirlWhoWoreGlasses 1 year ago
So many of us want a clean house. Because most men and kids can't be bothered, which is reinforced by society and even advice-givers (the person who thinks cleanliness is more important should do it). I am so over this.
Wysteria_Rose 1 year ago
A slight 'happy mother's day' recognition not from the kids but my husband. They are his from his first marriage, I love them dearly, and he has told me thank you for taking on a role as a bonus parent but some mother's days he goes without saying a thing. We can't have a baby between us just yet due to financial problems, which is another sore spot for the day. Just a little recognition would be enough for me. (I don't expect the kids to do or even say anything, they have their birth mom which is more than enough for them to take on).
Lilsomms 1 year ago
Mothers Day is still rough for me. My mom died after slowing spiraling into poor health for years. I was two months away from giving birth to my first child. It absolutely devastated me. So my first Mothers Day was my first without a mother of my own. I love my husband, but he forgot about the whole holiday because we were on lock down with 3 month old and both very overwhelmed. I haven't really enjoyed any subsequent M-days since. A lot of over planning, high expectations and stress. This year I outright asked for a few hours alone in the house (baby number 2 is due later this summer), some tulips (my favorite flower), and a Lego kit of a floral arrangement. That's it. He was so appreciative of my honesty. He'll make dinner too, which is of course welcome because he loves to use our smoker and I definitely won't protest some good bbq. Someday I know I'll reclaim the holiday and enjoy it. Especially now that I'll soon be a mom of two. But it takes time and I will always miss my mom.
Jennifer 1 year ago
I have two boys (8 yrs and 6 months). For the past 7 years my oldest and I have gone out and chosen veggies and flowers to plant in our vegetable garden and flower pots. I love being able to reap our harvest together throughout the summer...it's like a summer's worth of mother's days. That is what I wish for every mother's day.
Rachel Reynolds 1 year ago
I'd like a MIG welder of my very own, a pile of steel and an afternoon to my self to weld stuff. Barring that, Sushi and saki dinner without having to watch the hibachi show (my kids don't like sushi, but they love hibachi and love the show. Especially onion volcano)
K W 1 year ago
I would like just one day where my kid doesn't argue about something, and a home cooked meal that I didn't have to make. I'm a solo parent and it's been ages since someone else has cooked for me. And a good deep clean of my home would be awesome. Every year I give my kiddo money to pick out some inexpensive jewelry and he has picked out some great pieces that I cherish.
Renae Grimshaw 1 year ago
I wish I had the money to do something fun with my two kiddos. Like a trampoline park or a cool kids museum. This past year has been rough and my income barely pays all of the bills so it makes it so hard to save money for activities.
Tiny Dancer 1 year ago
I'd like my adult autistic son to tell me he loves me and really mean it, but I'm not sure that's ever going to happen (he's 35). And I'd like my husband back. He died suddenly last month, this will be my first Mother's Day without him in 25 years. But, I guess I'll take a box of fancy chocolates and a bag of gummies instead.
Barbara Forshee 1 year ago
Every year my son asks me what I want for Mother's Day or Christmas. Most every year I've asked for no more migraines. My migraines aren't as bad this year but my knees need to be replaced so knees without pain would be great. He would do anything I ask all year long so I'm usually happy just spending time with him.
Vera Cyning 1 year ago
Almost every post is desiring a clean house and a long rest. I think I'll have the same please. I have 7 kids and 2 grandkids. I haven't slept in 24 years 😅😳🥱
Vanessa Panerosa 1 year ago
Every year I pick local hotel for a “staycation”. I order room service, lay in bed, get a massage/facial and maybe relax by the pool. On Mother’s Day he brings our 3 kids to meet us for brunch in the restaurant before heading home. It’s the *perfect* Mother’s Day. However, this year he’s truly upped his game bc he bought us a fabulous apartment (sight unseen, that i picked out) in my favorite city Barcelona where. His grandfather came from. I’m spending 4 blessedly beautiful days on a vacation instead of a staycation. I love my family, but it’s been a particularly busy year especially with all these sicknesses recently and I can’t wait to have a lil getaway. I love him with all my heart.
lenka 1 year ago
24 hours alone. Every year the weekend before or after mother's day (mothers day itself I reserve for the kids) I take a weekend for myself. I book a hotel, not far, usually somewhere reasonably close but nice with a sauna, swimming pool and restaurant. I take a sauna, have a swim, take a book down to the bar, drink wine, read, meander into the restaurant have a nice meal, head up to my room chill out alone in the silence. It's pure bliss.
Nikki D 1 year ago
My mom died recently. My neighbor and plant mother treats me like her child. Can I shower her with everything I used to do for my mom? I know her kids won't do anything, just wondering if that would be appropriate. Nice earrings, a cool plant, and a handmade card. Would that be weird?
lenka 1 year ago
Not at all. I am sure she will appreciate it and I am glad you have someone in your love to keep sharing "mom love" with you.
Load More Replies... Caro Caro 1 year ago
The things these women want are so little and simple (humble). I can't get my head around the fact that they need some me-time, rest, affection and peace and quiet. Jees. I kinda feel sorry for them.
lenka 1 year ago
I think when you are a mum of very young kids, its very hard to learn to prioritise yourself, and of course when you do, you face judgement (at least I did). I am pretty good at taking time to myself, hanging out with my girlfriends and prioritising myself on a regular basis and my husband does 50% of the cleaning, cooking, shopping and parenting, but time alone is still what I ask for for mothers day because between work and parenting and life, time is still my most valuable resource.
Load More Replies... Sandy D 1 year ago
I would like a back and neck that isn't causing constant pain, so a brand new, fully functioning, pain free spine! Not asking much, am I 😜
TheGirlWhoWoreGlasses 1 year ago
So many of us want a clean house. Because most men and kids can't be bothered, which is reinforced by society and even advice-givers (the person who thinks cleanliness is more important should do it). I am so over this.
Wysteria_Rose 1 year ago
A slight 'happy mother's day' recognition not from the kids but my husband. They are his from his first marriage, I love them dearly, and he has told me thank you for taking on a role as a bonus parent but some mother's days he goes without saying a thing. We can't have a baby between us just yet due to financial problems, which is another sore spot for the day. Just a little recognition would be enough for me. (I don't expect the kids to do or even say anything, they have their birth mom which is more than enough for them to take on).
Lilsomms 1 year ago
Mothers Day is still rough for me. My mom died after slowing spiraling into poor health for years. I was two months away from giving birth to my first child. It absolutely devastated me. So my first Mothers Day was my first without a mother of my own. I love my husband, but he forgot about the whole holiday because we were on lock down with 3 month old and both very overwhelmed. I haven't really enjoyed any subsequent M-days since. A lot of over planning, high expectations and stress. This year I outright asked for a few hours alone in the house (baby number 2 is due later this summer), some tulips (my favorite flower), and a Lego kit of a floral arrangement. That's it. He was so appreciative of my honesty. He'll make dinner too, which is of course welcome because he loves to use our smoker and I definitely won't protest some good bbq. Someday I know I'll reclaim the holiday and enjoy it. Especially now that I'll soon be a mom of two. But it takes time and I will always miss my mom.
Jennifer 1 year ago
I have two boys (8 yrs and 6 months). For the past 7 years my oldest and I have gone out and chosen veggies and flowers to plant in our vegetable garden and flower pots. I love being able to reap our harvest together throughout the summer...it's like a summer's worth of mother's days. That is what I wish for every mother's day.
Rachel Reynolds 1 year ago
I'd like a MIG welder of my very own, a pile of steel and an afternoon to my self to weld stuff. Barring that, Sushi and saki dinner without having to watch the hibachi show (my kids don't like sushi, but they love hibachi and love the show. Especially onion volcano)
K W 1 year ago
I would like just one day where my kid doesn't argue about something, and a home cooked meal that I didn't have to make. I'm a solo parent and it's been ages since someone else has cooked for me. And a good deep clean of my home would be awesome. Every year I give my kiddo money to pick out some inexpensive jewelry and he has picked out some great pieces that I cherish.
Renae Grimshaw 1 year ago
I wish I had the money to do something fun with my two kiddos. Like a trampoline park or a cool kids museum. This past year has been rough and my income barely pays all of the bills so it makes it so hard to save money for activities.
Tiny Dancer 1 year ago
I'd like my adult autistic son to tell me he loves me and really mean it, but I'm not sure that's ever going to happen (he's 35). And I'd like my husband back. He died suddenly last month, this will be my first Mother's Day without him in 25 years. But, I guess I'll take a box of fancy chocolates and a bag of gummies instead.
Barbara Forshee 1 year ago
Every year my son asks me what I want for Mother's Day or Christmas. Most every year I've asked for no more migraines. My migraines aren't as bad this year but my knees need to be replaced so knees without pain would be great. He would do anything I ask all year long so I'm usually happy just spending time with him.
Vera Cyning 1 year ago
Almost every post is desiring a clean house and a long rest. I think I'll have the same please. I have 7 kids and 2 grandkids. I haven't slept in 24 years 😅😳🥱
Vanessa Panerosa 1 year ago
Every year I pick local hotel for a “staycation”. I order room service, lay in bed, get a massage/facial and maybe relax by the pool. On Mother’s Day he brings our 3 kids to meet us for brunch in the restaurant before heading home. It’s the *perfect* Mother’s Day. However, this year he’s truly upped his game bc he bought us a fabulous apartment (sight unseen, that i picked out) in my favorite city Barcelona where. His grandfather came from. I’m spending 4 blessedly beautiful days on a vacation instead of a staycation. I love my family, but it’s been a particularly busy year especially with all these sicknesses recently and I can’t wait to have a lil getaway. I love him with all my heart.
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