Before I became a mother, May was just a regular month. Living in New York City in my twenties (childless and fabulous, I might add), I actually looked forward to May. Spring was heavy in the air and Memorial Day Weekend, the official gateway to summer in the northeast, was just over the horizon.
Now (many years later), as I try to keep the tapestry of motherhood from unraveling amid a whirlwind of recitals, graduations, end of year ceremonies, Teacher Appreciation Week, shows, plays, parties, bat mitzvahs, Mother’s Day and even my daughter’s birthday, I see May for what it really is: Madness. December in disguise. A month designed to push parents to their limit, minus the holiday gifts and cheer. Only the strong (and most organized!) will survive.
This is my thirteenth May as a Boca mom, and I’ll be honest, May-cember really didn’t ramp up for us until elementary school and then, suddenly, it was full speed ahead. Preschool moms, take note!
Now, with my daughter only one year away from high school, it feels only fair to share my personal May survival guide with you. These hacks have been a lifesaver for me over the years, so I hope they help save your sanity a little bit too.
Modern Boca Mom’s May-cember Survival Guide
Book the blowout.
Sit in that salon chair, mama, and leave your hair to the pros while you take 45 minutes to relax or more than likely…catch up on email and social media. I’ve gotten to the point where I can extend a blowout for up to five days with the right dry shampoo and hot tools. That’s a lot of May events! My ‘do is currently on rotation between Jennifer at Salon Oasis and Blo Boca.
Make the meal kit
May is no time to be creative in the kitchen. Subscribe to a meal kit service like HelloFresh or Blue Apron for the month and you’ll have one less thing to think about. This is key when you and your kiddos come home from a long, exhausting May day and wonder what you’re having for dinner. (P.S. There’s no shame in leaning on DoorDash or UberEats this month either.)
Forget the flowers
Of course you want to celebrate your child’s [performance, award, graduation, or moving up ceremony], but taking the time to buy flowers for the sheer number of celebrations that happen in May can add up fast. Instead, keep a stash of $15-$25 gift cards and this assorted greeting card pack in your purse, so you always have an easy, thoughtful way to say “congratulations” at the ready.
Bring battery backup
Imagine this: you’re getting ready to take that historic video of your “baby” walking across the school stage wearing their cap and gown…and your phone dies. It can happen to the best of us. I keep this portable charger with me at all times, just in case. I also think it makes a great high school graduation gift!
Consume the coffee (and review your calendar daily)
I tend to make my morning cup at home, but sometimes the May madness takes over and insists that I splurge on an iced vanilla latte from Carmela Coffee or La Mesa Café Bistro. That afternoon pick-me-up is necessary as I review my family’s crammed calendar. How is an exhausted mom supposed to say no?
The bottom line? You’ve got this! Summer break will be here before we know it. Speaking of…did you remember to sign up for summer camp this month?
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Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, an award-winning lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida parent. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
