Here's what mom really wants this Mother's Day: alone time
Ahead of Mother's Day this Sunday, experts are coming out to let spouses and children know what the women in their lives really want - to be left alone.
Doula and counsellor Sondra Macron says young mothers especially are feeling "touched out", and a long two years of the pandemic did not help.
"I think it's a general thing but I think it's been intensified by the pandemic," Macron explains to CTV News. "We are constantly caring for our infants and our children. So this term 'touched out' is really it's overwhelmed, its sensory overload."
Enjoying the sunshine in Renfrew with her seven-month-old baby boy, Allie Hynes says that's exactly how she feels.
"I haven't really had any time alone since he's been born so that would be nice too, even though I do love him," says the new mom.
But Macron says many moms are afraid to tell their partners or children what they really want.
"They're worried about being stigmatized," says Macron, "for saying I don't want to hold my baby right now or that my child has sticky fingers and I am annoyed by being touched by them."
She adds flowers and a meal are nice additions, but during that time when mom's take a break from their everyday tasks, that's when the rest of the family needs to step in.
"That's the dishes, and the laundry, and taking care of the children."
Those looking to treat mom this Sunday can still do so in the traditional ways.
At the Flower Factory in Renfrew, owner Christina Ouellet says peonies, tulips, and ranunculus are always a favourite, with the best sellers being the cut bouquets.
"It's been actually quite busy and I actually think that Mother's Day is next weekend, but it's this weekend," says Ouellet, noting the day of appreciation usually falls later in the month.
And many local restaurants are offering Mother's Day brunch; although if you haven't booked yet, you might be out of luck.
"This year everyone is excited that they can all celebrate together," says Rachelle Sabourin, owner at Krave Bistro in Arnprior. "So we actually had a few people like four weeks ago book."
But for many moms, their ideal Mother's Day isn't a tough code to crack.
"Hopefully get to sleep in," says Hynes. "That would be nice because it's been a while."
"I don't have to cook that day," says Ouellet, "and make sure I have a nice cup of tea at any given time at my hand and I'm happy with that."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.