He Forgot Mother’s Day… But I’m Going All Out for Father’s Day Anyway (Here’s Why)
Let’s talk about it, mamas.
Mother’s Day came and went — and many of us were left holding… not a handmade card, not a thoughtful surprise, not even a lukewarm coffee in bed. Just the invisible weight of yet another unacknowledged emotional labour.
In our community, this topic came up (and blew up) recently. Message after message from mums who were hopeful… waiting… disappointed. Most of us have small children. They don’t know what day it is unless there’s cake involved. So naturally, we rely on the other adult in the house to say:
“Hey hon’, happy Mother’s Day — you’re doing a phenomenal job raising these tiny humans.”
But no. Instead, we got:
“Oh? It’s Mother’s Day? Did you call your mom?”
Or in my case…
“But you have three Mother’s Days — which one are we doing again? Australia? France? UAE?”
I picked France. I set a reminder. I put it in the calendar. I even sent him a nudge a few days before. Still, the day arrived, and what did I get? A last-minute supermarket bouquet — the classic “guilt bouquet,” wrapped in more plastic than petals.
Was I mad? Yes.
Did I cry in the bathroom? Also yes.
Did I question whether I should even bother with Father’s Day? You bet.
But then something shifted. This Sunday, June 15 (France), and next Friday, June 21 (UAE), it’s Father’s Day. And you know what? I’ve decided to go all out.
Yep. I’m going to plan the most thoughtful, joyful, celebratory Father’s Day ever. Not because he remembered Mother’s Day — he didn’t. Not because he deserves a medal — but because I want to lead by example. Because I believe in celebrating each other, even when we fumble. And maybe… just maybe, if I do it right, he’ll get the hint for next year ;)
So here’s the plan:
A handmade card from the kids (yes, I’ll do the glitter and guide the crayons myself)
His favourite breakfast and actual hot coffee — at his go-to café
My Dad is Awesome (Bluey Book), gifted proudly by the little ones
And the highlight: a home massage by our favourite Vita Home Spa — because if I’m going to celebrate him, I’m doing it properly.
This isn’t about being the “bigger person.” It’s about showing up with intention. It’s about letting love lead — even when we’re disappointed.
And next year?
We’re doing it differently.
In our tribe, we’ve made a decision. Next Mother’s Day, we’ll celebrate each other. We’ll host our own celebration — mums honouring mums — with thoughtful gestures, gift swaps, love letters, maybe even a spa day. We won’t wait to be seen. We’ll lift each other up, just as we deserve.
So yes, Father’s Day will be beautiful in our home this year. But next Mother’s Day? It’s going to be epic — because it’ll be powered by us, for us.
With love (and glitter stuck to my hair),
Juliane
P.S. Mamas, if you were disappointed on Mother’s Day — I see you. I’m with you. Let’s turn that sting into something strong. This Father’s Day, celebrate with heart. And next year? We’ve got each other.
