How to Celebrate Your First Mother's Day

Don't forget to celebrate your first Mother's Day as a mom. Make it special, with or without the family along for the ride!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Say no to work--both professionally and around the house. This is an important "first" as a mom, enjoy it.

2. Do something together as a family. Consider a stroll around the neighborhood or a picnic in the park, if low-key is what you need. Head out for adventure, like a visit to the zoo or a trip to the beach, if that's more your style.

3. Take time for yourself--a visit to the gym, a long, hot bubble bath or coffee with a friend--if you need it.

4. Buy yourself a present for your first Mother's Day. A book on being a mother? The new pair of swim goggles you've been wanting? Sexy, impractical sandals for summer?

5. Play with your baby or child, whatever you do. Remember (like everyone says) these early years won't last long.

6. Use your first Mother's Day to remember your child's birth story, or arrival in the family. Celebrate how much he or she has grown.

7. Take a pause from the rush and struggles of being a new family to be thankful for what is good, healthy and happy in your lives.

8. Consider an adult-only date. Are you dying to go to the movies? Would you love to actually sit down for an entire meal? Enlist friends or relatives to help, and make it happen.

9. Call your own mom for Mother's Day. Chances are you understand her a little better now that you're a mom yourself. Celebrate her strengths and the strengths of your relationship.

Tips & Warnings

• Your first Mother's Day as a mom is an important milestone, whether you became a mom through birth, adoption, or marriage; recognizing your important role helps you do your best and feel good about it.
• Expectations of grand gifts and pampering can crash and burn if they're not fulfilled. Keep your mind on what's important--the love your family shares. Take time to enjoy that love.