Mom Birthdays

Is Mom's Birthday a Cause For Celebration?

September 2, 2009

B.C. (before children), birthdays are an occasion to celebrate. While they always remain so, many women are less inclined to make a big to do about the date once they have children. It's not that moms are less important or undeserving, it's often that they look forward to planning and celebrating their baby's birthday more. Not only did I forget it was my birthday last year, I forgot how old I was. Many mothers agree that the best day of their life came when they gave birth so it's no surprise that they identify with that date. Besides, most every mum I know would choose sleeping in over cake anyway.

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8 Comments

GlowingMoon 3 years 37 weeks

My Mom hated her birthday. She did not like getting older, and didn't like the yearly reminder. Growing up, I had to be delicate about her birthday. Personally, I don't feel the same way about my birthday. I see it as a nice personal holiday.

MissSushi 3 years 37 weeks

I have always been really interested in big celebrations for birthdays. I don't really focus so much on the ultimate party, but i love having friends over, cake and ice cream, and a fun event outside of the house. Unfortunately for me, my birthday is Christmas eve so i've never before had a party, I've never even had anyone bake me a cake past age 6, that's when i had to start making my own or go without. My parents were horrible about keeping my birthday seperate, i got to open a few presents and eat the cake i baked on my birthday, and then on christmas morning I would have significantly less then my sisters. Now, im not complaining, just illustrating how they obviously just took some from the christmas pile over for my birthday. The lack of effort and care they gave me is what bothers me. I could go without any gifts as long as they had given a crap and taken me somewhere. and when i grew up and moved out, my "friends" were just as bad. No one felt like doing anything for my birthday with Christmas so close by, so it got shoved under the rug as well. Any plans I tried to make, as a child and an adult, fell through due lack of interest from others. No one wants to go out ALONE for their birthday, or try to cajole unwilling people into it. Enter my husband, who doesnt care about anyones birthday and refuses to be moved about getting excited or planning mine. All in all, I've had 24 years of absolutely no event for my birthdays whatsoever. Somewhat rantish, but it's frustrating! The biggest birthday plus was that ONE year an aunt bought me a cheesecake and i didnt have to bake my own. Pathetic. I'm going to make sure that my kids enjoy their birthday and have a fun outing or time.

3 years 37 weeks

I agree with runningesq, I think it's really sad that a mom would forget her own birthday, and even sadder that her FAMILY didn't recognize it. I also don't know any mom, much less "most," who would choose sleeping over celebrating a birthday. How can I teach my kids that it's an event worth recognizing if I only celebrate theirs and not my own and their dad's?

POPSUGAR Moms 3 years 37 weeks

I was big on my birthday before kids and now I don't really care unless it's a milestone year. I took a trip to Mexico with my friends for our 30th. My husband and children still make a to do about my birthday so it's fun to see them so excited, but I just welcome the chance to relax.

schnappycat 3 years 37 weeks

Chrstne, I feel bad for my mom now looking back, too, because her birthday was a week before mine. I know all of her time and energy went into making my day great and I fear we didn't spoil her enough. Now I understand more how important her day is, so I really try to make it special (as much as I can long distance) for her.

runningesq 3 years 37 weeks

I think it's sad when women become mothers and completely neglect themselves. schnappycat, you put it well !

Chrstne 3 years 37 weeks

We always celebrated my mom's birthday. I used to make her things. But she was more concerned with my birthday, since her's is only 4 days before mine. Every year, she claims I have been her favorite belated birthday present, haha.

schnappycat 3 years 37 weeks

Wow. Maybe I'm selfish, but I hope I never forget my birthday or don't find it a cause to celebrate. That would be very sad. I look forward to it every year, plan a fun day for myself, and expect I will continue to do so. I think it's important for my son to understand that everyone's birthdays deserve celebrating and there are times when he will have to share/give up the spotlight for others. It's can be a lesson in generosity and thoughtfulness at the very least. I am horribly sleep deprived with a child who still often wakes up (and on meds that give me insomnia) and I would still choose cake over sleep on my birthday.

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