6 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day as a Childless Adult

Mother’s Day can be a challenge for some, including those who have lost their mothers (either through death or estrangement) and those who are without children. While there are plenty of people who are deliberately choosing to not have kids, others are not childless by choice.

All these unique layers of humanity and relationships can make for a complicated holiday. Here are a few unconventional ideas for celebrating the upcoming day:

1. Shout out & celebrate all the mothers in your life

If you aren’t a mother yourself, yet still feel a deep respect and desire to show appreciation for those who are—make a fuss for them! Plan an afternoon to relieve your friend of her newborn duties so she can relax, surprise your own mom with her favorite dinner and dessert, or send a heartfelt letter to a motherly figure in your life who deserves to know how amazing she is.

2. Show some appreciation for all the finned, feathered and fur baby parents

Mothers of other species deserve some love, too. Spend the day on your pup’s favorite hiking trail or donate to your local animal shelter or farmed animal sanctuary so those who make a career out of helping animals can keep up the great work.

3. Take a moment to honor Mother Earth

The most epic mother of them all! She most certainly deserves some TLC on this day, and every day. Taking a moment to evaluate whether your everyday habits could be more eco-friendly is one way to show lasting appreciation. You could also arrange to volunteer or otherwise participate in events that help teach younger generations about the importance of conservation—the gift that keeps on giving.

4. Spend the day with friends, instead

Each of these family-based holidays, at the very root of it all, is about relationships. Some people choose not to sustain relationships with family members, for a variety of reasons, and that’s okay. The family we nurture is the family that counts—and that could include close friends.

5. Donate to an organization that fights for reproductive rights

We can’t think about the concept of motherhood without considering all of the respect it deserves on a variety of levels: emotional, physical, medical, societal and more. Parents should have access to quality reproductive healthcare, understanding physicians and advocates who will fight for them, and the dignity they deserve. Consider donating to a local or national organization whose mission is to ensure these rights don’t disappear.

6. Don’t celebrate at all

Mother’s Day is optional. If it doesn’t serve you to celebrate or even acknowledge it—that is totally okay. Make sure your wellbeing is taken care of on this day, if you know it will be a challenge.

Related Stories:

• 10 of the Most Devoted Animal Moms
• 6 Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts That Give Back
• Vegan Mother’s Day Brunch

Photo credit: Thinkstock