Happy (Almost) Mother’s Day to all of the moms in our Women Leading Travel & Hospitality community!

I know the last year has been very challenging for us all, especially navigating an unprecedented work environment while also being President in Charge of Everything for our families. Even though I’m the mom of two teenagers vs. small children, I still feel your pain. My days are chock-full of Zoom calls, event planning and writing time, but also helping my kids with their homework, making doctor/COVID-19 vaccine appointments for them, and even offering counseling as my kids deal with the same isolation and anxiety many are facing right now as a result of the pandemic.

Furthermore, the pandemic has hit working moms especially hard, forcing many to leave the workforce or cut back drastically on their work hours. In fact, around 10 million U.S. mothers living with their own school-age children were not actively working in January — 1.4 million more than during the same month last year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. What’s more, the 10 million not working accounted for over one-third of all mothers living with school-age children in the United States, according to the Current Population Survey.

That’s why it’s more important than ever for all of us moms to have a special day on Sunday, and spend some much-needed time on ourselves. After all, mothers take care of everyone — except themselves. So, have a mimosa, take a long bath, spend time in bed reading that book you’ve been meaning to pick up, take a long walk, or call your mom!

I’ll be celebrating with my husband and two teenagers this year, and am planning to do all of the above and more (or should I say less!). How are you celebrating Mother’s Day this year? Drop me a line at mcampanelli@napco.com and let me know. I’d love to hear!

Have a great day!