Every mother is a bloody hero if you ask me but there are some mothers who really do it tough and deserve a break. If you have a mother you know who needs some extreme TLC because she never does anything for herself? Scroll down to the competition at the bottom of this post.
In the lead up to Mother’s Day, I thought I’d do a post where we can celebrate the mothers we are and the mothers we have.
So in the spirit of our weekly Best & Worst posts, I want to know: what are your best and worst mother moments (in your experience as a mother or your experience as a child…).
Here are mine
BEST: Giving birth would be up there. Times three. Or possibly having my son cook a kick arse meal for me last year on Mother’s Day.
WORST: Probably forgetting to pick up my son from after-school care. More than * cough * once.
I’m also going to share my own mother’s worst. In the spirit of keeping it real, I’m sure she won’t mind.
When I was a kid we had firecracker night (before they became illegal and were banned for boring reasons like the fact too many people were blowing off their limbs) and do you remember Catherine Wheels. Funny now when you think about how risk-averse we are and how everything has to be SAFETY FIRST. Well, Catherine wheels where circular fireworks that were hammered into the wall, lit and then spun around spewing fireworks in all directions. Huge fun UNTIL THE CATHERINE WHEEL COMES LOOSE FROM THE WALL.
At this point, it flies around the garden chasing the assembled crowd and to this day, we tease my mother and a friend of hers about how they actually PUSHED OVER THEIR OWN CHILDREN in their haste to flee from the rogue Catherine Wheel. I’m not sure if that is actually the case but gee whizz it’s entertaining to torture them about this appalling lapse in motherly nurturing in the face of danger.
For balance, I should also share some of her best which include staying very calm when I pierce my belly button, bleached my hair white and had a MUCH older boyfriend when I was a teenager (in my defence, these three things were well spaced). The fireworks are forgiven, Mum!
Whether you are a mother, have a mother or know a mother I bet you have a best and/or worst mothering moment to share. One that makes you blush with pride or cringe with embarrassment. One that makes you laugh out loud or weep at the memory.
Here is your chance to share it. Remember it does not have to be about you – it can be about your mum, your aunt, your BFF or just someone you saw at the shops displaying a moment of mothering that just had to be recorded.
UPDATE:
702 have let us know that:
” We were overwhelmed by the beautiful, hilarious and really quite moving entries that came through for the 702 Mum’s Day Off competition, and it was a shame there could only be one ultimate winner, but she was extremely deserving.
You can read a little about Victoria’s experience & see a couple of pics of her enjoying her pampering here – http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/05/25/2908463.htm“
And if you know (or are) a mother who really deserves a $3000 prize package which includes:
- Day spa appointment
- Babysitters
- Cleaners for the house and car
- Lunch and dinner at leading Sydney restaurants
- A Delicious magazine subscription
- Plus a driver for the day
Click the link on the competition logo on the right to win a day off for yourself or a mother of your choice.
Top Comments
I know a mum who totally deserves a break.....and I totally want to be there to help give her the break she and her hubby deserve as I've been able to with other friends and relatives.
The problem is that she won't leave her child with anyone other than the father for more than about 5 seconds. Goodness knows what she thinks will happen while she's away - 12months on, he's a happy little man.
But after making many, many offers to babysit, suggestions of activities to do together and just being available to hang out (and yet was still told by the father that I should do more to help and encourage and support) I'm just about ready to give up....I don't want to, but how many times should I let my offers be rejected....
If anyone has any ideas about ways to help without putting too much pressure on I'd love to know because I'm worried she'll have a nervous breakdown if she doesn't let go a bit more.....
Well, most people cant stand their Mother in law, and god only knows I've had issues with mine also, but in reality my MIL is one of those people who really deserve a break and has a heart of gold.
When she was 25, she had 3 children under 6. Was raised in a strict European upbringing and married at 18.
Her husband (my FIL) left her when the youngest was 2, and ran off with a 19yo and he was 36.
He didnt pay a dollar towards the children, there was no money for food, clothing or treats in their household. She was left with a huge mortgage of which 20 years later is still paying off with her pension.
Emotionally she was a mess and suffered from depression and mental illness since its happened. She raised the 3 children the best possible way she knew how...with love.
My husband is still not used to having food in the cupboard or even a present for his birthday.
My MIL still lives in the house, which is now pretty run down and cannot afford to make any repairs. The furniture is broken and she has never been on a holiday. EvEr.
Meanwhile FIL remarried to the 19yo he ran off with, made millions and still didnt pay a cent towards the children's lives while they were growing up.
She has lived for her children and would do and does do anything she can.
The cruelest blow is she was diagnosed with cancer at Christmas and is now battling chemo.
My MIL so needs a break...in more ways than one. Someone who has battled againist the odds, saved the family home, and suffered humiliation by her community for being left single at 25. She never wants to be in a relationship again...her life is her kids. We only want the best for her and hope only good health and happiness come her way.