Candice Warner’s Mother’s Day plans with her mum and David’s mum while he’s in India

Candice Warner has revealed how she will spend Mother’s Day with her mum and David’s mum as he remains stranded in India.

Candice Warner won’t be getting breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day.

With her daughters too small to control the coffee machine and husband David caught up in the Indian Premier League (IPL) crisis, Warner says toast on a tray just has to wait.

“David’s always away at this time of the year, so it’s generally always Mother’s Day just with myself and the girls. It’s not forever and you just deal with it,” she says.

So the former Ironwoman turned Olympics commentator is planning to celebrate two other mothers instead: her cherished mum Kerry and mother-in-law Lorraine, both devoted grandmothers to Ivy, 6, Indi, 5, and Isla, 22 months.

Understandably, reports of more players testing positive to COVID-19 is a worry for the mother-of-three.

“It is a dire situation in India and we’re really looking forward to having him home safe as soon as he can get back,” says Warner.

Caring Ivy wrote a heartfelt note and family drawing on behalf of herself and her sisters earlier in the week to ask Daddy to “come home straight away”.

Instagram Post from Candice Warner to husband david in India: "Stay safe Daddy, come home as soon as you can. We love you. @davidwarner31 #staysafe ( a letter from Ivy)".

And while staying calm amid the escalating Indian COVID-19 disaster, Warner says this year’s Mother’s Day visit to David’s mum Lorraine is a special priority.

“Mothers do worry … so it’s always important we’re just there for one another,” she says.

Happily recounting memories of her mum accompanying her to countless competitions when she was as an elite young sportswoman, Warner says it is only now she is a mother herself that she realises all the sacrifices Kerry made.

David and Candice Warner at home with their daughters, Indi, 5, Isla, 1, and Ivy, 6. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“I’ve always shown Mum that I care, but …(now) I really make sure that I tell my mum on Mother’s Day how much I love her (and) how much I appreciate and have appreciated everything she’s ever done for me,” she says.

“It’s that one day when it’s just about being with my kids, being with my mother and just celebrating what it is we have as a family.”

Candice Warner on her wedding day with her beloved mum Kerry Falzon and baby Ivy, now 6. Picture: supplied.

Warner, her two brothers and their combined brood of five children are taking Kerry out for breakfast Sunday, followed by extra family time. Busy preparing for her Olympics commentary role with Channel 7’s studio team, Warner says this year’s gift for her mum is making more time to be together.

“I’ve bought her golf lessons. Even though we’re not golfers, every Monday we spend two hours together having a lesson, then we go up to the clubhouse and have some afternoon tea.

“We’re very close, but it gives us special time together each week. Prioritising my mum and spending time together is super important and this is a way of doing it in a fun, unique way.”

According to Warner, being a mum is her “greatest achievement”.

“I get such a buzz seeing them reading for the first time, doing their first cartwheel after trying and trying and trying. Seeing them develop, try new things and learn … makes me so happy,” she says.

Candice Warner and mum Kerry enjoy a holiday sunset together. Picture: supplied.

Growing up, both Warner’s parents worked hard and she is determined to pass on the work ethic and grounded attitude she was raised with.

“It’s very important for David and me. We would fail as parents if we didn’t teach them those vital skills of hard work, saving, dedication, perseverance (and) the value of things. They taught us a really valuable lesson and it’s now important for us to pass that lesson on to our kids.”

As for her stranded husband, Warner says he is, “always one for surprises”.

“He always sends flowers – he is very, very thoughtful. He tends to chat to the girls and say, ‘What do we want to get Mummy this year?’

“It’s about the thought, whether it be the girls making me a card or picking some flowers … it’s just knowing it comes from the heart and that they think about me.”

“It is hard – let’s face it, mums do so much. And when I say mums, I do mean the dads who take that motherly role as well.

“Just because it’s not in the book or you’re not doing something a certain way doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong … so many women suffer from postnatal depression and try to do it alone, but to be able to speak to others and know that there are other women in the same shoes as you or struggling or not conquering the breastfeeding or not getting much sleep is sometimes reassuring and you need it.

“We aren’t Superman, we aren’t ‘superwomen’ … be kind to yourself, because we’re all doing our best. We’re just mums and everyone out there is giving their best. Pat yourself on the back every now and again. Know that it’s OK to stuff up, it’s OK to have your meltdowns, it’s OK to forget things – we are human.”

Tips for dads and kids

“It’s not about how much money you spend, it’s just about showing your mum that you care and that you appreciate them. A big cuddle and a kiss means the world to all mothers.”

● Make your card by hand

● Pick some flowers or gather some shells

● Create some ‘good behaviour’ gift cards

● Breakfast or a cuppa in bed