Happy Mother’s Day To All Types of Moms + How To Support Them

You’re most likely reading this because you’re a mom who doesn’t fit into the mold of being a ‘typical’ mom. Or perhaps you want to support a mom who finds it hard to find her place on Mother’s Day. No matter who you are, I’m here to celebrate Mother’s Day for all types of moms.

I am a proud bonus mom, a mom who tried everything to have a biological child, a dog mom, an Aunty, a godmom and a mom figure for some.

I’m also a friend of so many different types of moms – single moms, burnt-out moms, moms who also have dad responsibilities, young moms, empty nest moms, new moms… the list goes on.

Regardless of the type of mom you are or the type of moms in your life, we all have something in common…

We want to feel loved and recognized on Mother’s Day.

So here’s to celebrating women and all types of moms this Mother’s Day.

A Reminder To Celebrate Mother’s Day For All Types of Moms

For the moms out there who know they’ll be celebrated on Mother’s Day even if it’s not exactly how you’d like, know this…

Mother’s Day can be triggering and heartbreaking for so many women out there.

Women who…

• Don’t get to spend Mother’s Day with their children.
• Tried everything to be a mom (fertility treatments, adoption) and were never able to.
• Didn’t have the opportunity to be a mom, even though they always dreamed of it.
• Are step-moms and bonus moms, who show up every day but are forgotten on Mother’s Day.
• Have complicated relationships with their kids and don’t get to see them.
• Don’t hear from their children on Mother’s Day.
• Experienced childhood trauma and don’t have a mom they feel safe with.
• Have lost a child and a life they dreamed.
• Have strained relationships with their mom.
• Lost their mom too early.
• Don’t get to experience joy and love on Mother’s Day and grieve instead.

How To Support All Types of Moms this Mother’s Day

If you can think of someone who’d love to hear from you or might be having a tough time this Mother’s Day, here are a few things you can do…

1. Reach Out To Them

Let them know you’re thinking of them, love them, and appreciate their love and friendship.

You can also say that you know they might be going through a hard time on this day, so you are sending all the love in the world to lift them up.

Being recognized is the thing that non-typical moms want and need, so a simple text or phone call goes a long way to help them feel supported.

Here are some people you could reach out to:

• A mom figure in your life – someone who’s always been there for you, just like a mom.
• Your Godmother or Aunt who’s been there for you through thick and thin.
• Fellow mom friends of all types.
• Your Grandmother, who’s stuck by you from the very beginning.
• Someone you know who’s been trying to conceive.
• A friend or family member who’s been navigating the adoption system.
• A single mom who doesn’t have a partner to remind her child to celebrate her.
• Those who’ve recently lost their mom.
• A pet mom who loves her fur baby in every way that matters.

2. Don’t Assume All Women Are Moms

If you’re out on Mother’s Day, don’t assume all women are moms.

I remember quite a few Mother’s Days ago, I was at a bakery choosing some treats for my Mom and sister (who had just become a mom).

A woman came up to me and said, “Why are you doing this? Someone else should be picking this up for you. You should be pampered today.”

I know she meant well, but after I left the place, I burst into tears because a) I was never able to conceive after years of trying, and b) I knew I wouldn’t get to see my stepkids on Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day for me is always really difficult.

There are also some women who are moms, but have a challenging relationship with their kids.

So, even if you mean well, unless you 100% know someone’s situation, just be kind, but don’t make assumptions. You never know what they may be experiencing.

3. Shift Your Mindset That Only Birth Moms Should Be Celebrated

I hate to say it, but many women believe that only birth moms should be acknowledged and celebrated on Mother’s Day.

This is especially true if they have split from the birth Dad and the kids have a stepmom.

If the stepmom is a good person and shows up, provides love and care for their stepkids, the biomom should not get in the way of this.

This only hurts and confuses the children in the long run.

Do you know how often stepmoms are the ones telling the kids to create a card for their mom on Mother’s Day? Also, many times, the stepmom is the person taking their stepkids to buy gifts for the birthmom, and they are even the ones wrapping the gift!

As the birthmom, put yourself in the stepmom’s shoes and ask yourself…

How would you feel if you were targeted and underappreciated by biomom, if you were held back from quality moments with your stepkids?

The key thing at the end of the day is to do what’s best for your children, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Women should stick together after all.

“Stepmoms deserve the same respect a mother would receive. They pour all of their time, energy and love into a child they didn’t even create. Stepmoms don’t do it because they have to. They do it because they want to.”

– Unknown

Final Thoughts

A very Happy Mother’s Day to all types of Moms, Mums, Mams, Manas, Mamas, Madres, Mères, and so many others.

For ‘typical’ moms: Let’s use this as an opportunity to think about women who might not have had it as straightforward as you when it comes to motherhood.

For ‘non-typical’ moms: Tell your loved ones what you need this Mother’s Day. If you need more love and support, even if your day is going to be hard, speak up and share.

Loads of love to all the moms out there. xo

More Content for All Types of Moms

• 40 Meaningful Gifts for Mom on Mother’s Day
• 65 Inspirational Step Parent Quotes & Sayings
• Accepting Infertility: 6 Tips for Healing
• What to Expect as a New Stepmom