Mother’s Day is one of the best opportunities of the year to teach your children to respect their mom and to thank her in some small way for all she does. And, despite our wishes, kids generally will not do it on their own until you've worked with them over the years to consistently use Mother’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate their mom. It can be tough knowing just what to do to celebrate mom, and it takes a little time to think about and prepare just the right recognition. Here are 10 ideas that will help mom feel special, loved, and recognized on Mother’s Day.
Prepare for Pampering
Mother’s Day is a good day to spoil mom just a little. Ideas like breakfast in bed, some time alone to do things she loves, and a special dinner with her favorite foods (cooked by the kids with some supervision) can make the day seem a little more special for mom.
Write Her a Letter
You can help each of the kids write a letter to mom extolling all her virtues and neglecting to mention any of her faults. Just a letter of appreciation, written by each child in their own style, can make any mom stop for a minute and feel the appreciation she needs to receive more often. These will be treasured keepsakes as well.
Get Out in Nature
If Mother’s Day is nice outside, take some time to get the family together for an outing. Take an early morning walk in a nearby park or nature area. Drive up to the mountains or out to the beach. Go on a walk and bring a surprise picnic to enjoy at the park. Getting outside into the nice spring weather with mom and the kids can be a refreshing way to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Give Her Flowers
Flowers are a very traditional way to celebrate Mother’s Day, but they are almost always appreciated. Make sure that you plan a few days in advance and order a bouquet or an arrangement with some of her favorite flowers.
Make a Craft Project
Mothers love things that their children make for them with their own two little hands! Salt dough ornaments or decorations with rubber stamping are an easy project that moms can keep forever. Homemade spa items like bath bombs and DIY bath salts are thoughtful gifts that mom will surely use.
Give Away a Day Away
While spending quality time with mom on Mother’s Day, give her a gift certificate for a day away from all her worries. Collaborate with the kids on what to do, but consider some ideas like a spa day, a day at the beach, a day with a book where the family brings her meals and treats, or a day playing tennis with her friends. The idea of a day away can be exciting for a mom who needs such a respite.
Make Her a Customized Gift Basket
As much as moms love thoughtful gifts, imagine how she would react to a bunch of them all at once! A gift basket with a few of her favorite things—like snacks, lotions, perfumes, books—is a welcome gift and communicates that you know her, love her, and know just what she wants.
Prepare a Happy Memories Box
Run to the craft store, bring home a decorated tin (maybe with hearts on it), and then help the kids write some of their favorite memories with mom on index cards and put them in the box. You can even print up some pictures of these memories if you have them. It is a lot easier than making a scrapbook, and she can pull the box out occasionally and remember the fun times with the family.
Donate on Her Behalf
Does mom have a cause that she feels strongly about? There are lots of worthy organizations that need financial donations and helping the kids learn about them and gather their spare change helps them learn about being charitable. Then prepare a card that lets mom know what you gave and to which organization.
Make Mom a Video
This one takes a little extra planning, but it would be an amazing way to make her feel special. Have each child talk on camera about mom—what they love about her and the fun memories they have. Then compile the video clips, add some pictures and music, and get it ready for the big day. Then play the video after Mother’s Day dinner and watch her beam!
Whatever you do, helping kids make Mother’s Day special for their mom is a small investment but it pays big dividends in terms of how mom feels and how kids learn to show respect and appreciation.
By WAYNE PARKER
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