Meat Isn’t Just for Father’s Day—This Mom Wants a Steak, Too!

As a mom, I’m used to the usual Mother’s Day lineup: flowers, breakfast in bed, maybe a mimosa or two, and lots of sweet, sentimental cards. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good pancake as much as the next mom. But can we talk about something that rarely gets mentioned this time of year? Meat.

Yes, meat. You know, that thing we save for Father’s Day cookouts and game-day celebrations. I’m here to tell you that moms love meat too, and for this Mother’s Day, I’m making a case for steak, salmon, burgers—whatever cut makes your heart (and stomach) happy.

Let’s be honest: how did meat become a “man thing” anyway? I’ve spent enough time at the grill, in the kitchen, and yes, even sneaking bites off the kids’ plates to know that meat isn’t gendered. It’s delicious, hearty, satisfying—and after a year of school pickups, birthday party planning, career juggling, and endless laundry, I think I’ve earned more than a cup of herbal tea and a foot rub.

I want a medium-rare ribeye. I want  jumbo shrimp. I want a gourmet burger stacked with caramelized onions and blue cheese. I want to sip a bold red wine or crack open a cold beer next to a smoking grill, not just hand over the tongs to Dad because “it’s his thing.”

To all the partners and kids out there planning the perfect Mother’s Day—hear me out. Meat is not just a Father’s Day celebration food. It’s a “Thank you, Mom, for everything you do” kind of food, too. So fire up the grill, make that dry rub, and serve it up with her favorite sides. Bonus points if she doesn’t have to lift a finger (unless it’s to pick up her fork).

And to my fellow moms: if you’ve been silently craving something savory while pretending to enjoy dainty brunch fare, speak up. This day is about you. You deserve to eat what you actually want, not just what fits on a tiered serving tray.

I’m not saying cancel the flowers or skip the love notes—they’re wonderful and appreciated. But this year, let’s expand our idea of what celebrating moms looks like. For some of us, it’s a quiet day. For others, it’s a family party. And for many of us—it’s meat.

So go ahead: claim that ribeye load up your plate, and savor every bite. Meat isn’t just for the dads. It’s for anyone who’s put in the work, loved hard, and made it through another 365 days of parenting with humor and heart.

Happy Mother’s Day—and pass the meat, please.