Thursday Funday: Mom, When Was the Last Time Someone Took Care of You?

Let's talk about something moms don't always get enough of: taking care of themselves.

It's Thursday.

The week is almost over, the weekend is getting closer, and before we start talking about what the kids need, what needs to be cleaned, what needs to be bought, and where everyone needs to be...

Let's talk about Mom.

Because Mom matters, too.

And no, we're not talking about some unrealistic version of self-care where you have three hours to yourself, a $150 spa appointment, a perfectly quiet house, and absolutely nothing on your to-do list.

That would be nice.

But that's not real life for most moms.

Sometimes self-care is much smaller.

And sometimes, there are resources in our community that can help.

Self-Care Doesn't Have to Mean a Spa Day

When we hear the words "self-care," it's easy to picture massages, facials, manicures, quiet mornings, and expensive coffee.

And there's nothing wrong with any of those things.

But self-care can also be:

Taking a walk.

Sitting outside for ten minutes.

Calling a friend.

Taking a shower without rushing.

Letting the laundry wait.

Asking someone to watch the kids while you rest.

Going to bed early.

Finding a support group.

Talking to someone when you're overwhelmed.

Using a community resource instead of trying to solve everything yourself.

Sometimes taking care of yourself simply means recognizing that you need something, too.

A Few Places Moms Can Look for Support

One of the best things you can do for yourself is know where to look before you actually need help.

There are organizations in Flint and Genesee County providing services that can make motherhood a little easier.

YOLO Breastfeeding

For Flint and Genesee County families, YOLO Breastfeeding currently offers lactation support at no cost through grant funding and community partnerships. Their services can include virtual, office, and in-home lactation consultations when available.

They also offer family classes at no cost for Flint and Genesee County families through grant-funded programs.

And here's something important:

You don't have to wait until after the baby arrives to ask questions.

Lactation support can be useful during pregnancy, postpartum, or at any point in your feeding journey.

Sometimes having someone listen, answer questions, and help you feel more confident is exactly the kind of support a new mom needs.

Selah's Red Tent

Selah's Red Tent is another mother-centered resource worth knowing about.

Programs and availability can change, but the organization has provided support for Flint mothers around pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, education, and doula services.

Not every mom needs the same kind of support.

Sometimes you need information.

Sometimes you need someone beside you.

Sometimes you need someone who understands what you're going through.

That is exactly why community resources matter.

Genesee County Free Medical Clinic

For eligible uninsured Genesee County residents, the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic provides healthcare services at no charge.

Taking care of your health is not something that should have to wait until you can afford it.

Genesee Health Plan

The Genesee Health Plan also offers women's health programming focused on prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and reducing health risks.

Programs and eligibility vary, so contact the organization directly to find out what you may qualify for.

What About the Fun Stuff?

Now let's get to the part we really wanted to talk about.

Sometimes Mom doesn't need another resource list.

Sometimes Mom needs to feel like a person again.

There are local businesses around Flint and Genesee County where you can explore massage, wellness, relaxation, skincare, or other forms of self-care.

81Ohm Massage & Co.

81Ohm Massage & Co. focuses on making self-care and wellness more accessible in Flint.

They offer chair massage, table massage, and therapeutic stretching.

Their website also emphasizes stress relief, relaxation, and the connection between physical and mental well-being.

That could be a great reminder that self-care doesn't necessarily have to mean an entire spa day.

Sometimes a shorter service or wellness experience is enough to give Mom a chance to breathe.

Pure Bliss Salon & Spa

Pure Bliss Salon & Spa in Flint offers a variety of salon and beauty services, including hair, makeup, and other personal-care services.

If you're looking for a traditional "Mom deserves an afternoon to herself" kind of experience, this is one local option to explore.

Always check directly with the business for current services, pricing, availability, and any current specials.

Other Local Wellness Options

There are also massage and wellness providers throughout Flint, Burton, Grand Blanc, Fenton, and the surrounding area.

Some offer massage, prenatal services, skincare, stretching, relaxation services, or other wellness experiences.

Before booking, always check current prices, availability, pregnancy guidelines, and any current promotions directly with the business.

And here's an important part:

We did not find a verified, ongoing "Mom Discount" at these businesses.

But that doesn't mean one couldn't exist.

And it got us thinking...

What If Flint Created a "Mom's Self-Care" Network?

This is where we think our community could do something really special.

What if local spas, massage therapists, salons, yoga instructors, wellness centers, fitness studios, and other businesses partnered with KindNest to create occasional opportunities specifically for moms?

It could be something as simple as:

A 30-minute massage.

A facial.

A manicure.

A yoga class.

A wellness session.

A chair massage.

A self-care basket.

A gift card.

Or even a special discounted service for KindNest families.

It doesn't have to be a huge donation.

Imagine five businesses each donating one service.

Five moms get a chance to take a breath.

Then another five businesses join.

Now ten moms have been given an opportunity to do something for themselves.

That's how a village works.

Everyone contributes what they can.

KindNest Wants to Help Mom, Too

At The KindNest Project, we talk a lot about supporting families.

But supporting families means supporting the people holding those families together.

And very often, that's Mom.

Sometimes Mom needs diapers.

Sometimes she needs food.

Sometimes she needs baby supplies.

Sometimes she needs someone to help her find a resource.

And sometimes...

Mom just needs someone to say, "You matter, too."

The KindNest Resource Library brings together family resources and community connections for mothers, caregivers, babies, and children.

And if your family needs direct assistance, you can request support from KindNest.

KindNest provides free care packages for eligible families and works to connect families with practical support and resources. Availability depends on current donations and inventory.

You don't have to wait until everything is falling apart to ask for help.

You can reach out because you have a question.

You can look through resources because you want to know what's available.

You can ask for support because things are getting difficult.

You can accept help because you are tired.

Asking for help is not failing.

It's one of the ways we take care of our families.

The Mom's Self-Care Challenge

So here's your Thursday challenge.

Pick one thing this week that is just for you.

It doesn't have to cost anything.

Take a walk.

Sit outside.

Read something you enjoy.

Listen to your favorite music.

Call a friend.

Take a long shower.

Schedule an appointment you've been putting off.

Find a free wellness activity.

Ask someone to watch the kids for an hour.

Or simply sit down for twenty minutes and do absolutely nothing.

You don't have to earn rest.

You don't have to finish everything first.

And you definitely don't have to be falling apart before you deserve support.

And Here's Our Challenge to Local Businesses

Are you a local salon, spa, massage therapist, wellness professional, yoga instructor, fitness studio, or other business that would like to support moms?

KindNest would love to hear from you.

Maybe you can donate a service.

Maybe you can offer a special Mom's Self-Care discount.

Maybe you can sponsor a self-care event.

Maybe you can donate products for a Mom's Care Package.

Maybe you simply want to partner with KindNest in another way.

There are a lot of ways to give.

And sometimes the gift isn't something that goes into a diaper bag.

Sometimes it's an hour where Mom gets to breathe.

If you're interested in partnering with KindNest, visit the KindNest website or contact the team at hello@kindnestproject.org.

Let's Build a Village That Takes Care of Mom

Motherhood can be beautiful.

It can also be exhausting, expensive, lonely, confusing, overwhelming, hilarious, messy, and completely unpredictable.

Nobody should have to navigate all of it alone.

That's what community is for.

KindNest is here to help families find their village.

If you're a mom who needs support, start with the KindNest Resource Library.

If your family needs assistance, request support from KindNest.

If you want to help another family, visit Ways to Give.

And if you're a local business that wants to support moms, reach out to KindNest about becoming part of the village.

Because when we support Mom, we support the whole family.

Thursday Question

Forget the expensive spa day for a minute.

What is one small thing that makes YOU feel like yourself again?

A quiet cup of coffee?

A walk?

Music?

A shower?

A good book?

Getting your nails done?

Talking to a friend?

An hour alone in the car?

Tell us in the comments.

Your answer might give another mom an idea she desperately needed.

And if you know a mom who could use this reminder today, share this post with her.