Motherhood is the gift that keeps on giving — and giving, and giving until sometimes it seems you can’t take it anymore.
Brooke Sharkey, a married Brooklyn mom to a two-year-old daughter, had nearly reached her limit just ahead of Mother’s Day last year.
But instead of having a breakdown, she got a much-needed break.
“My husband booked me a one-night stay at the Walker Hotel Tribeca the Saturday before Mother’s Day,” Sharkey, 30, a personal assistant from Bed-Stuy, told The Post. “I took a long shower, watched whatever I wanted on TV, ordered room service, scrolled through social media in peace, treated myself to a fancy dinner and caught a Broadway show.”
“It was the best Mother’s Day gift ever.”
Rather than enduring long restaurant wait times for a platter of pancakes and cold eggs at Sunday brunch, or receiving yet another bouquet of store-bought roses, Sharkey basked in the kid-free, responsibilities-free glory of the “anti-Mother’s Day” movement.
It’s a trend away from the sweet, albeit stale holiday traditions. The unconventional gift grants mom a mini “me time” vacation to sleep, nosh, primp, shop or do absolutely nothing.
Pooped mamas in need of a respite get to dedicate at least one day (and maybe night) of their hallowed weekend to themselves — either luxuriating at a haute hotel or sending the hubby and cubs away in order to serenely savor an at-home staycation.
Mommies everywhere are putting solo escapes at the top of their wish lists, too.
Westchester mom of two sons, Johanna Riehm, 34, told The Post she’s looking forward to lounging around like a queen in her empty castle this Sunday.
“I’ve had the Mother’s Day breakfasts in bed that come with a lot of screaming and chaos in the house,” said the brunette, a comedian and lifestyle influencer. “This year, my husband is taking the kids out for a ‘boys’ day,’ and I’ll be home reading, getting out into nature, snacking and just laying down.”
“Spending some silent time at home or enjoying some peace at a hotel is what Mother’s Day is all about.”
In fact, an April 2024 survey of 2,000 mothers across the US revealed that “a chore-free day,” “a spa day,” “alone time” and “a weekend getaway” were high-ranking requests this year.
And Thea Gallagher, a clinical associate professor of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, tells The Post that a mom’s day off may be just what the doctor ordered.
“Mom burnout can happen when women become exhausted by the massive amounts of physical, mental, emotional and logistical effort that it takes to be a parent,” she explained of the psychological phenomena.
A May 2024 study from The Ohio State University College of Nursing found that mental overload affects over 57% of parents, and can ignite stress, anxiety and depression.
Gallagher encourages gals to indulge in as much self-care as possible — especially during their special celebration.
“If Mother’s Day is about honoring the mother, then she needs some time to escape her mothering duties,” said the psych. “When we recharge, we have more to give to our kids, jobs, partners and friends.”
“We can’t pour into others from an empty cup.”
Sharkey agrees. After her 24-hour hiatus, the dynamo darling reunited with her families feeling refreshed and renewed.
“I had the best of both worlds. I got to sleep in, do the things that make me happy and get some rest,” said the blond. “Then, the next day, I met up with my husband and daughter for some family time.”
Samantha Brown, a travel expert of 25 years and Brooklyn mom of 11-year-old twins, says it’s not too late to spoil your No.1 lady with a little getaway this holiday.
But she warns gift-givers against dropping Mom off at just any ol’ lodge — be sure to research before gifting her a resort stay.
“No family-friendly hotels,” Brown, who’ll be road-tripping down Route 66 this weekend, told The Post. “She’ll just be there with everyone else’s screaming children. No mom wants that.”
“Look for boutique hotels, cozy inns with an adult clientele, places that offer breakfast and maybe a late afternoon cocktail hour,” she advised.
“Brunch and flowers are nice,” added Brown. “But the gift of ‘me time’ is so beautifully freeing.”
