As a single mum, you may not be into Valentine's Day. In fact, you might just totally resent the entire thing.
As mums, we are extremely good at putting other people’s needs above our own. It just comes with the territory and feels natural.
If the kids are happy, we are happy. As a single mum, that skill becomes even stronger. Without the support and help from a second parent, a lot more responsibility and pressure falls onto her shoulders. She is often both parents and the ultimate care-giving machine.
It is amazing to see the kids recognise how much you do for them. Around Valentine's Day, a card or piece of art might find its way to you via their school bag. Something to tell you that they love you. Something that might bring a tear to your eye at the school gate. It is amazing to have a little visual reminder of how much these little people adore you.
As a single mum, you may not be into Valentines Day. In fact, you might just totally resent the entire thing. The kids are coming home from school talking about Valentine's Day this and Valentine's Day that and they haven’t yet invented an emoji that rolls their eyes back far enough as you vent about it to your pals.
You would be quite happy for Valentine's Day to politely move on and leave you alone thank you very much.
For you, the day might just represent the pain you have experienced. It might highlight the loneliness that you struggle to accept at times. It also might just mean that your social media platforms are bursting at the seams with soppy photographs, check-ins and posts which is beyond irritating. You might just avoid scrolling for a few days...
As a single mum, you have every right to celebrate Valentine's day though. It is absolutely not a day to celebrate couples. It’s a day to celebrate love and as a single mum being loved and loving is something that you are very very good at.
Why not celebrate Valentine's Day with the kids? Your little partners in crime who always have your back. The gorgeous people who are always willing to offer a hug, kiss or a cuddle on the couch. The people who you love more than any word could possibly convey.
They are totally your Valentine's – and you are theirs, mama. Rather than resisting the entire thing, why not own it? Pick up some corny love-heart ramekins or muffin cases and make a special dinner for all of you. The kids will absolutely LOVE the idea.
Why not make a big fuss and give them all a card telling them what it is you love about them individually. It could be as simple as pancakes for breakfast with some strawberries and Nutella. Something a little bit different to celebrate the day of love with your little loves.
And remember, as a single mum you have every right to be happy and to want to meet someone else. It’s difficult to imagine right now but if you feel this way now imagine all of the other people who are feeling the very same. They could be the perfect match for you.
I have a hunch that Valentine's Day could be a very good day to finally join that dating website you’ve been flirting with. Get the kids off to bed, light a candle, treat yourself to a nice glass of wine and start fishing because this mama deserves to find love (IF she wants to that is).
Happy Valentine's Day, single mama – we totally admire what you do every day.
Tracey is a happy mammy to four-year-old Billy. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can find her at www.loveofliving.ie.