Before children, Mother’s Day might have meant a leisurely lie-in, a fancy afternoon tea, or a day of relaxation. Fast forward to life with little ones, and well… things look a little different!

If you’re expecting a Pinterest-perfect day, here’s a light-hearted look at expectation vs. reality when celebrating Mother’s Day with babies and toddlers.

Expectation: A Blissful Morning Lie-In

Reality: You’re woken up at 5am by a tiny voice declaring “MUMMY!” at full volume. And if you’re really lucky, you might get a toddler attempting to “surprise” you with breakfast in bed—aka a half-eaten banana and some suspiciously wet toast.

Expectation: A Relaxing Day Off from Parenting

Reality: Let’s be honest—there’s no such thing as a day off when you’re a mum! You’ll still be wiping noses, mediating sibling squabbles, and trying to convince your little one that their lovingly made glitter card doesn’t need to be stuck directly onto the living room wall.

Expectation: A Beautifully Thought-Out Gift

Reality: The best gifts come from tiny hands—crumpled homemade cards, a daisy from the garden, or a big sticky kiss. And honestly? That’s better than anything money can buy!

Expectation: A Picture-Perfect Family Day Out

Reality: Getting everyone dressed and out the door feels like a military operation. There’s at least one tantrum, a forgotten nappy bag, and a meltdown in the café because someone’s toast was cut the wrong way!

So, What’s the Secret to a Happy Mother’s Day?

Forget perfection. The reality of Mother’s Day with little ones might be chaotic, messy, and far from the Instagram dream—but it’s real. One day, you’ll miss the tiny hands reaching for you, the clingy cuddles, and even the slightly disastrous attempts at making you feel special.

So take a deep breath, embrace the madness, and know that no matter what the day looks like, you are loved beyond words—today and always.