Mommy Talk Show Candid Conversation with a TV Mom
As you navigate midlife, Valentine’s Day may look slightly different. Instead of being surrounded by candies and roses, you may find yourself bogged down in responsibility and exhaustion from being sandwiched between your family and your career. Add your own hormone fluctuations to the ones your teenagers are experiencing and it’s the perfect storm to destroy Valentine’s Day. Here are seven challenges midlife moms face leading up to this holiday of love, along with solutions to survive.
7 Challenges Midlife Moms Face On Valentine’s Day
1. You’re physically NOT feeling lovey-dovey. Maybe it’s your hormone levels. Maybe you’re not happy with your body at this moment. Either way it can seriously affect your outlook on getting dressed up for Valentine’s Day.
SOLUTION: Wait until you’re having a great day or a great week (physically and emotionally) to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Go ahead and postpone Valentine’s Day until you’re feeling better.
2. You’re missing loved ones. Valentine’s Day can be a painful reminder of lost loved ones or past relationships.
Grief and loss has fundamentally changed who I am with every fiber of my being.
With both of my parents gone, Valentine’s Day is just different. I won’t get their calls, cards or flowers. And I can’t return the favor by loving them with these remembrances.
SOLUTION: Focus on creating new Valentine’s Day traditions. Set goals for where you’d like to be for next year’s Valentine’s Day like a trip to a relaxing or romantic spot.
3. Your children are struggling. Dealing with moody teenagers who may not appreciate the holiday can add stress. Moodiness is one thing. Depression, anxiety, and bullying are way more serious, so please seek help for their struggles.
Who feels like celebrating life and love when your children aren’t happy? I don’t!
SOLUTION: Involve your teenagers in planning and celebrating Valentine’s Day. You may have to wait until they’re truly in the mood.
Be open to doing Valentine’s Day differently from their point of view.
Ex. They may not be into red/white/pink traditional Valentine’s Day colors.
If your day of love is filled with all Black decor this year because that’s what your depressed teenager wants, who cares? Go with the flow!
4. You’re having Empty Nest Syndrome: With kids growing up and leaving home, the holiday can feel lonelier than usual.
SOLUTION: Send a care package to your children to let them know you care.
Spread the love in honor of your children! Donate Valentine’s Day gifts to a neighbor or senior citizen in your life.
5. Your relationship status is murky. Relationship struggles are the reality of life over 40. Seriously!
Long-term relationships may face challenges, making the holiday feel less romantic.
Let’s say you’re going through a divorce. It’s hard to find the lovey-dovey moments.
You may also be mourning the loss of your spouse, while debating whether to love/date again.
SOLUTION: Rely on your friends. Arrange a get-together with friends where you can gather and celebrate with laughs!
Related topic: Valentine’s Day Printable Crafts for Teachers and Students
6. You’re dreading social media comparisons.
Seeing others’ seemingly perfect celebrations on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
SOLUTION: Take a social media break. Log off of all your social media apps. Turn notifications off. Wait a few days until after Valentine’s Day, then come back.
Related topic: 4 Low Cost Ways To take a Mommy Break
7. You’re overwhelmed and busy.
I feel like I’m still just getting over Thanksgiving and Christmas, now here’s Valentine’s Day peaking its lovey-dovey head around the corner.
Personally, I’m just not ready to go all out for Valentine’s Day when I’m also sorting out our Spring Break plans.
SOLUTION: Keep is super simple. Don’t go out of your way to make Valentine’s Day a huge celebration.
Buy yourself flowers and call it a day.
Related topic: Four Films That Remind Me Of Our Love Story
