Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 14th, because Mother’s Day is here. Dads and kids, it’s time to step up and show mom she is appreciated and loved. Go above and beyond for her because that’s what she does for you. Whether you have experience or not with Mother’s Day, it can be hard to come up with ideas. Don’t overthink it! No matter how simple or extravagant your plan is, the thought behind it will mean more than anything tangible.
Mom shouldn’t have to lift one single finger to make a piece of toast or wipe up a spill. If you go with a classic breakfast in bed, let her sleep in past her normal wake-up time or wait until she wakes up naturally. Once the tray has been delivered, leave her to eat in peace and clean up any messes around the house. Silence is golden on a day of relaxation so use any cleaning tool but the vaccum. Don't bring your phones/tablets to breakfast, in fact, put them away for most of the day and give mom your full attention! If breakfast is your limit in the cooking department, eat out for lunch/dinner. Don’t get fast food or wear casual clothing. This is a special occasion so dress up and dine at her favorite eatery or make reservations at a new restaurant.
Give mom a day off from taking care of the kids, and set up a date with her best friend(s).Tell her she has the freedom to shop and purchase whatever she wants as long as it doesn’t involve buying for other people. If you send her to the spa for a pamper session, ask her closest friends for advice regarding where to make reservations and what treatments to schedule. It doesn’t have to end there. Hire a babysitter and make dinner a kids-free date night. If you have the ability to be a litte more hands-on, prepare a meal for two at home.
Not all moms want to spend time away from their kids on Mother’s Day. If this is the case, arrange a family outing. It can be as simple as a picnic in the local park or as adventurous as a vacation. Think of a plan that you can realistically handle on your own or with the help of your older children. If mom wants to relax in the comfort of her own home, staycations are fun too. Find home-friendly activities that would be easy and entertaining: coloring, crafts, games, etc. If your kids are old enough to help, set up a spa at home complete with a bath, face mask, manicure/pedicure, and massage. Cook or order in a nice meal and have candy and popcorn ready for a post-dinner movie.
It is a good idea to do some detective work throughout the year for gift-giving occasions such as this. Perhaps there is a candle or perfume that is a staple in mom’s daily life. Maybe she’s had her eye on a specific dress or purse. If you have absolutely no idea where to shop or what to look for, gift cards are also a good option. If you’re in the mood for a DIY project, give her something that is handmade. For a new mommy, use paint to put the baby’s handprints and footprints on a canvas; add text and a cute creature (e.g. butterfly) for a creative and personal touch. If your kids are too young to purchase a present but old enough to make a craft, buy some age appropriate supplies and allow them to create whatever their imagination comes up with.
Who but mom truly treasures photographs? Schedule a session with a photographer, and give the gift of memories she will treasure for years to come. For older children who want to add some humor, recreate childhood photos and reveal the results on Mother’s Day. If you want to be a little more casual, have a dress-up session at home and pass around the camera. Popular options for presentation include albums, calendars, mugs, and wall art.
This is a day for showing moms some extra love, but don’t stress yourself out thinking you have to impress or top your gift from last year. The simplest of gestures can mean the most to a mother’s heart. To be more specific, a day of peace and quiet. In all seriousness, mom will appreciate her gift no matter what it is because it comes from the people she loves most. Dads and kids, keep in mind that gestures of appreciation shouldn’t be limited to one day per year. Moms, thank you for all that you do and the love that you give. Enjoy your special day!
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