Page 11 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 3 2025

THE BIG PICTURE
ESTATE NEWS
ESTATE MATTERS
HOME FRONT
A Mother’s Day nod for the ones who keep

everything running — quietly and completely

B Y NIC OLA KILL OPS

he’s the one sending work else remembered the thing she always
emails from the school pick-up So no, this isn’t about making anyone feel remembers.
line. The one who’s got one eye sorry for her. She doesn’t want sympathy.
Son a Teams call and the other on She wants a little less mental gymnastics. Because the truth is, most mothers carry
the hockey stick she nearly forgot to pack. A little more partnership. And maybe — more than anyone realises.
She knows which teacher prefers email just once — to open a drawer and find it
and which one wants a handwritten note. already restocked with batteries. The right Even the ones with help. Even the ones
She remembers the extra jersey for when ones. with privilege. Even the ones who seem to
the clouds roll in and the name of that do it all effortlessly.
one kid her son swears isn’t in his class, SO WHAT DOES SHE WANT FOR
but absolutely is. MOTHER’S DAY? They’re carrying timelines and shopping
Not another scented candle, though she’ll lists and social dynamics. They’re
She’s the one who knows that the school say thank you and mean it. Not another managing group chats and gate codes
has civvies on Wednesday, but the extra mug that says “World’s Best Mom”, and “who’s allergic to what at the class
maths class has it on Thursday, and yes — though she is, and we all know it. She party.”
there’s a difference. She’s the keeper of doesn’t need a big fuss. (Okay, maybe a
the calendar. The knower of passwords. small fuss. But not one that involves her They’re holding onto dreams of their own
The supplier of extra glue sticks. doing the dishes afterwards). — career goals, creative callings, quiet
ambitions — while helping others chase
She might be in heels, rushing between WHAT SHE REALLY WANTS? theirs.
meetings. She might be in gym gear, Let her sleep in. Don’t ask where your
trying to squeeze in twenty minutes of shoes are. Clear the table without being So this Mother’s Day, before you book the
movement before the next round of lifts, asked. Run your own bath. Fold your own brunch or sign the card, ask yourself:
logistics, or last-minute snack duty. She towel. What would make her feel truly seen?
might have help — a nanny, a driver, a
tutor — but the truth is, the load still lands Notice what she usually handles — and And then — just do it. No fuss. No
with her. handle it before she gets there. Let hashtags.
her feel, even for a day, that someone
spinning plates on a moving treadmill “ Notice what she usually handles — “
Not because no one else is willing. But
because she’s the one who never forgets.
We talk a lot about balance — as if it’s a
thing you can download or schedule. But
and handle it before she gets there
most mothers aren’t balancing. They’re
while answering emails and remembering
that the goldfish died last night and we
haven’t told Josh yet.

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