The Benefits of Community Spaces for Families (A Mother's Day Reflection)

As a mom of two, Mother’s Day always brings me a mix of emotions—some joy, some exhaustion, and always a deep, quiet reflection. It’s a day that reminds me how much we pour into our families. The planning, the wiping of tears, the juggling of dreams and responsibilities—seen and unseen.

This week, in the middle of our busiest season yet as we prepare to open Maeve & Rayne, I was caught off guard by something simple and beautiful: a heartfelt project Sofia made for school.

She had written about me! She noticed the late nights, the effort, the time I carve out to show up for them, even in the midst of everything. Her words nearly brought me to tears. It was a quiet reminder that our kids see us. Even when we think we're just scraping by, they feel the love. They feel the intention.

It reminded me: I'm doing something right. We are doing something right.

Why We Need More Than Just a Break

Self-care often gets boiled down to bubble baths and silence. But in reality? Sometimes what we need most is to be seen. To be around people who get it. To feel safe, supported, and not judged when our toddler is on their third meltdown of the morning.

That’s where community spaces—like Maeve & Rayne—come in.

They’re not just about the kids. Sure, the play matters. But so does the mom sipping coffee on the couch, finally getting to finish a sentence in conversation. So does the dad who’s able to exhale while his little one explores. So does the grandparent, the caregiver, the exhausted parent just showing up.

These spaces give us the room to breathe and connect—and that’s self-care.

Motherhood Can Be Isolating… But It Doesn’t Have to Be

There were days in early motherhood when I felt like the only adult I talked to was the pediatrician. I craved connection, even if it was just a simple “me too” from another mom who understood.

Community spaces help fill that gap.

They create opportunities to meet other parents, share tips, laugh about the chaos, and just be. No pressure. No mess to clean up afterward. No need to host or perform.

Sometimes the best kind of self-care is knowing you’re not alone.

A Mother's Day Reminder: You’re Seen

To the tired, dedicated, multitasking parent reading this—please know that what you do matters. The love, the effort, the sacrifices… they do get noticed. Even when it feels like you're running on empty, your kids are watching. They feel it. They’re learning from it.

And when Sofia handed me that school project, it reminded me that all this building—all this dreaming and planning—it’s not just for the future. It’s shaping their present. And we’re doing okay.

More than okay.

So this Mother’s Day, take a deep breath. Give yourself credit. And let’s keep building something beautiful—together.

💛 Happy Mother’s Day, from our family to yours.

♥️ Playfully yours, your mom-friend in fun, Lynne