Mother's Day Mother's Day & Father's Day Father's Day - Share ...

V olume 18, Issue 3Page 51.Suggestions for a Well-DeservedMother’s Day & Father’s DayBy Cathi Lammert and Allegra GrawerAcknowledge that you are parents.2.Be gentle with yourselves. Do onlywhat you can handle. Acknowledge thatthis day could be difficult and determinehow you can comfortably spend the day.3.Alert yourself to the most difficultchallenges of the day, such as attentiongiven to moms and dads at church. Someparents have talked to their clergy aboutthe importance of recognizing all parentsat these celebrations and have benefitedfrom sharing.4.Family gatherings may make you feeluncomfortable. Discuss this with yourfamily and let them know that youappreciate their love and support, but thatyou may not be able to attend or manageyour composure throughout the entireday. Assure them that these feelings willnot be forever.5.Plan ahead. Waiting until the lastminute can cause frustration and hurtfeelings.6.Share with family and friends howthey can help make your day a special one.Sometimes they need specific suggestions,such as sending you each a card, flowersor a donation to Share or another favoritecharity in your baby’s name.7.Treat yourselves with a special gift, anouting, or flowers. Send each other cardsfor these special days.8.Remember your baby by lighting acandle, placing a rose on the altar or dinnertable, or planting a tree or bush.I t is important to tell others what you need. Do notassume that everyone will be aware of how you arefeeling on this day. Being aware in advance that certainsituations may be difficult, such as family gatheringsor church services where parents are recognized,allows you the opportunity to be plan accordingly. Ifyou’ve been asked to do something that makes youuncomfortable, listen to your heart. For some, spendingthe day in bed with the covers pulled up, or on thecouch watching movies, might be the right thing. Besensitive to your own feelings and needs, and aboveall, know that you are parents.