Dear Divorced Dads,
I have heard through the years, ad nauseum, how angry you are with your ex-wives’ and how they don’t deserve a mother’s day gift—much less any gift for that matter.
I know you are angry. I know that you are jaded. I know all the reasons…
But, hear me out for a moment.
With Mother’s day quickly approaching in less than two weeks, I want to say a few things to you.
First and foremost, if you have children that are not able to drive and get their own mother’s day gift—encourage them to make a card or color a picture or make a project to honor their mother.
Remind them of what this day means. If you can muster up the strength, take them to pick something out for their mother. It doesn’t need to cost very much.
After all, it’s not the price you are teaching it’s the principal. It’s the act of kindness and respect.
On this day, being a parent outweighs being an ex-spouse.
On this day, you’re teaching your children to honor ‘their mother’.
On this day there is no room for your hatred or anger. Mother’s day is not about your divorce or the demise of your relationship.
This day is about one thing and one thing only—
And that is honoring mothers for their sacrifice, unselfish love and contribution to the lives of their children through THEIR eyes, not yours.
There are many facets to raising children and unfortunately children do often times suffer the collateral damage of a divorce.
As a mother, the daily struggles, sacrifices, and effort that most of us endure do deserve some sort of recognition one day a year.
Many times that recognition is left to the dad who has young children and must overcome his own bitterness to do the right thing by making sure his kids recognize the holiday.
My suggestion—take the high road, show respect to the mother of your children. You can never go wrong by teaching your children to celebrate, respect, honor and cherish their mother.
(Even if their mother doesn’t do the right thing with Father ‘s Day which btw, many don’t.)
They will thank you for it when they grow up and they will remember, when they are adults, the valuable lesson that was shown to them by you.
Happy upcoming Mother’s day to all mothers near and far.
Until Next Week,
Love,
Karin
