How to Make Mother’s Day a Day of Self-care for Mums

Mother’s Day often comes with flowers, breakfast in bed, and heartfelt cards. But beyond the gestures and celebrations, it can also serve as a meaningful opportunity to support a mother’s mental and emotional well-being. Especially in Singapore, where the pressures of parenting are intensified by a fast-paced urban lifestyle and high societal expectations, Mother’s Day becomes even more meaningful when it is centred on self-care. Recognising deeper issues, such as gender bias in mental health, which often lead to mothers’ emotional needs being overlooked or minimised, can also make Mother’s Day a more powerful moment for reflection and change.

Supporting a mum’s emotional health is not just about a one-day celebration. It is about acknowledging the invisible labour of caregiving and the ongoing need for emotional replenishment. For families looking to honour the mums in their lives—whether wives, daughters, or partners—Mother’s Day can be a chance to start new self-care traditions that benefit the entire household.

Recognise the mental load mums carry

Mothers often shoulder what is known as the "mental load"—the invisible, ongoing responsibility of managing the household, childcare, and emotional labour. This includes remembering appointments, planning meals, anticipating children’s needs, and easing emotional tensions within the family.

In Singapore, the mental load is compounded by societal expectations and limited support systems. A recent survey revealed that 92% of Singaporean mums do not actively practice stress management—often due to time constraints, feelings of guilt, or simply not knowing where to begin (Jha, 2025). This chronic neglect of self-care can lead to serious consequences, including burnout, physical exhaustion, and deteriorating mental health—making it even harder for mothers to care for their families effectively. Recognising and addressing this invisible weight is essential for healthier, happier households.

It’s important to acknowledge this invisible workload not just with words, but with meaningful actions. Offering genuine support might mean taking over some mental tasks for the day—or better yet, on a regular basis. Doing so creates mental space and affirms that a mother’s emotional and psychological well-being is equally important.

Create space for rest and reflection

While spa treatments and brunches are lovely, intentional quiet time can be far more restorative. Self-care does not have to be indulgent or extravagant. Sometimes, what a mother truly needs is uninterrupted time to herself—whether it’s for journaling, meditating, going for a walk, or simply being alone without any demands placed on her.

For some mums, self-reflection may also include seeking adult counselling in Singapore as a way to better understand their emotional patterns, build resilience, or manage stress. Therapy offers a safe, confidential space to explore thoughts and emotions without judgement. Additionally, peer support interventions—both online and in-person—have been shown to improve depression, anxiety, and perceived social support, particularly within 1 to 6 months post-intervention (Shah et al., 2024).

If you're planning Mother’s Day activities, consider gifting not just time, but psychological space. This might include setting boundaries with extended family or managing children's expectations —small but powerful steps that allow mums to truly relax.

Empower her to say no

In many cultures, and particularly in Asian societies like ours, women are often socialised to be self-sacrificing and agreeable. Saying “no” can feel uncomfortable, even guilt-inducing. Yet, self-care involves setting boundaries, especially when it comes to time, energy, and emotional commitments.

Encouraging a mum to say “no” when she is overwhelmed, or to ask for help when she needs it, can go a long way in fostering her mental well-being. A family culture that embraces boundary-setting is ultimately healthier for everyone, especially children, who learn emotional habits by observing their parents.

Support ongoing emotional connection

Self-care is not just about solitude. It also includes meaningful connection. Being surrounded by people who listen empathetically and respond supportively plays a significant role in one’s psychological well-being.

Creating emotionally safe spaces within the family fosters long-term resilience. For mothers who have experienced postpartum depression, parental stress, or other complex emotional challenges, engaging with a child therapist for family-based interventions can also be beneficial.

Therapeutic settings that focus on both parent and child can improve communication, decrease emotional reactivity, and strengthen the parent-child bond. If emotional disconnection or stress has been a recurring theme, Mother’s Day can be a meaningful point to seek ongoing support as a family.

Make self-care a family value

Rather than treating self-care as an occasional luxury, families can normalise it as a shared value. Children who grow up in homes where rest, boundaries, and emotional expression are honoured are more likely to develop into emotionally intelligent and empathetic adults.

On Mother’s Day, consider creating a simple ritual that models this value. It could be as simple as everyone in the household sharing something they are grateful for, or taking turns doing something that brings each person joy. Mums are more likely to practise self-care when they feel the family supports it, not just through words, but through daily actions and habits.

Conclusion

At ImPossible Psychological Services, we believe that supporting a mum’s mental wellness is one of the most valuable gifts a family can offer. Mother’s Day can be more than a celebration—it can mark the beginning of a deeper journey toward emotional nourishment, healing, and self-respect. When mothers are emotionally supported, families thrive.

References

Shah, L., Chua, J. Y. X., Goh, Y. S., Chee, C. Y. I., Chong, S. C., Mathews, J., Lim, L. H. K., Chan, Y. H., Mörelius, E., & Shorey, S. (2024). Effectiveness of peer support interventions in improving mothers' psychosocial well-being during the perinatal period: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 21(6), 652–664. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12747

Jha, P. (2025, April 2). 92% of Singapore moms don’t practice stress management for moms—Here’s why that’s a problem. Parenting Blog. https://welovesupermom.com/blog/stress-management-for-moms/