Okay, I lied. I really do want the card, gifts, flowers, jewellery, and everything that comes along with Mother’s Day. After 41 weeks of pregnancy that entailed the worst heartburn of my life and carpal tunnel syndrome, 20 hours of labour, and two inductions (read: eviction notices) because my little one was too stubborn to come Earth-side, I think I deserve all that. And then some.
I didn’t, however, lie about wanting some time to myself to just unwind or prattle away with the girls.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love nothing more than spending time with my kid. Every morning and evening must be met with some cuddle time otherwise things don’t feel quite right. But I’ve also come to realise that for me – along with most of my mummy friends – I’m a better mum when I’ve had enough time to myself.
So, treat yourself this Mother’s Day to some me time, because Lord knows you deserve it. If your kids are past toddler-hood, you can even enjoy some of the activities below together (they’re all in sunny Kuala Lumpur and also #MumGuilt). Or you can both just do your own thing. It’s your day, so you decide.
Eat in peace
Usually, mums are either eating leftovers, scraps, or sacrificing their favourite part of a chicken for their kid. How about a meal where you can order what you want, order a kid what they want, and also have them leave you alone to eat in (relative) peace? Marmalade in Bangsar Village is a family-friendly restaurant that features a playroom along with a healthy-but-yummy kid’s menu.
Mani-pedi, anyone?
For now, Nail Smith at Publika is the only nail salon we frequent that has a kids’ playroom. Equipped with a play kitchen, toys, bean bags, and padded floors, it’s even sealed off to drown out the noise. But if all hell breaks loose, don’t worry, you can still hear them. You can also peep in every now and then while getting your nails done as the room has glass windows.
Should your little one want to get in on your fun, Nail Smith offers baby manis and pedis too! It’s a great way to bond, and once they’re done with their turn they can leave you alone to do your thing while they play for the next hour or so.
Rumble in the jungle
Got lunch with the girls? Have a meeting you need to attend for a bit? Just want to quickly run a few errands with no kids in tow? Even if it’s not Mother’s Day, Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) has become one of our malls of choice for being so family-friendly. Besides a comfortable nursing room where a mum can pump or nurse should she want some privacy, BSC also has Jungle Gym Playland on the top floor.
Your younguns will be entertained for hours in this fun wonderland. They can climb, jump, slide, and run to their heart’s content while you tuck into an ice cream at Godiva or a spot of tea at TWG. The best part? Once you’re relaxed and ready to pick them up, they’ll be tired and ready for a nap or sleep when they get home. Yay! More time for yourself! You’ll also find a Jungle Gym Playland at Atria Shopping Gallery and SkyAvenue if you happen to be there instead.
Spa-rty time
The family that spas together, stays together. To us, the idea of a spa-rty with mums and their kiddos sounds like such a win-win – relaxing treatments and quality time with your little one(s). Ozmosis has a full family spa menu that you can choose from and build on according to your needs and your children’s ages. Oh, and if there are any birthdays coming up, the spa can also help organise a spa-rty for your little ones’ gal pals. Spa-rties even come complete with balloons, spa robes, and finger food!
Go on a getaway
We know that going on holiday with kids is not really a vacation, but hear us out. It’s crucial to pick the right destination, and in this case, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang in Penang is the best place for a Mother’s Day getaway. This beautiful hotel has a kid-friendly pool with plenty of activities scheduled and an adults-only pool – perfect for mums that want to have a little quiet time in the sun. Once you’re done, pop on over to Chi, The Spa, where you can indulge in an assortment of pampering services.
Another solid option is Club Med Cherating, a beachfront all-inclusive resort where kids can be happily whisked away to Mini Club Med+ (for ages 4 to 10) or the Junior Club Med (for ages 11 to 17). With a packed daily schedule that includes nature activities, circus school, creative workshops, and even flying trapeze lessons, your little ones will be too busy having fun to even notice you’re gone. Meanwhile, you can sneak off for a beach walk, sip cocktails by the adults-only Zen Pool, or finally finish that book you’ve been trying to read for months. Best part? No mum guilt — everyone gets a holiday on this holiday.
A stylish afternoon tea
Swap the usual family lunch reservation for a little something more refined. The Westin Kuala Lumpur is serving up a week-long Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at The Living Room, an elegant space perfect for you and your fellow mum friend to sip, snack, and speak in full sentences.
Available from 5 to 11 May, 1pm and 6pm, the afternoon tea spread is the stuff of mid-day dreams. On the savoury end, expect a mix of local flavour and international flair, from smoked salmon mini bagels to pulled chicken rendang tarts and steak-and-cheese croissant sandwiches. Sweet tooth? You’ll be spoiled with treats like strawberry rose cupcakes, cassis mousse cake, peach sable domes, and green tea macarons. Of course, it wouldn’t be afternoon tea without scones served with clotted cream and jam.
The vibe? Utterly relaxed. The price? Just RM98 nett for two. Call your mum bestie, book that table, and toast to keeping small humans alive (preferably without them climbing all over you while you sip your tea).
