Mother’s Day is coming up. Did that just make your heart jump a little? Don’t worry; it can be as uncomplicated as taking a moment out of your day to plan an act of kindness for your Mom, Ma, Mummy, Madre, or Mum (whatever you call her). I know this year, just like the last, is a bit different than most so, I’m here to help!
Doing something for someone you love doesn’t have to be a grand gesture for it to mean a lot. It can be as simple as a mother’s day gift basket, small acts of service like washing the outside windows of her house, and easy mother’s day crafts you can do with your kids for the mom in their life. Every little bit of thought you put into something shows you care, and that’s what matters most.
Yes… If you have kids and they have a mom, you should do something for her on this special day!
Acts of Kindness
Well, hold on. Clearly, no one wants to add more stuff onto their plates right now. Life has been stressful lately, and if you feel like you don’t have any time for yourself, how can you do something for somebody else? Here’s the deal, helping others can actually make you feel better. When you help others, it feels good, it’s that straightforward, and science agrees.
On this Mother’s Day, maybe keep it simple and skip the shopping. Choose to show you care with acts of kindness; plant flowers for your mom or weed the garden for her, paint the fence or do that donation run that she hasn’t been able to get to herself.
You’re helping to make her day better and in return providing support to others helps reduce the stress on your nervous system, and likely lowers her stress too.
Know thy mother
I try to keep in mind what my mom likes and doesn’t like. It’s not hard if you already know, but if you don’t, think about some of the things you’ve done together or things she’s talked to you about. When in doubt, reach out to other family members and brainstorm together.
For example, it might be easy to get a cake for my mom, but I know she prefers tarts and pastries. I also know she doesn’t need super expensive gifts to feel loved; she would rather spend time at home watching a movie or having a meal together.
When we celebrate Mother’s Day in my house, I usually get some sort of treat from a local bakery, some samosas and pakoras (fried South Asian savory hors d’oeuvres), flowers, and make sure there’s a handwritten card. Trust me, handwritten cards are always a winner! If you don’t do anything, at least write a card yourself!
Make a plan
Not all of us are planners, I get that. However, Mother’s Day is not a time to be free-spirited and wing-it last minute. Source out a bakery or flower shop and consider calling ahead to pre-order. You can do something nice for your mom and support local businesses at the same time. Or come up with a list of 1-3 acts of kindness that your mom would find helpful.
Also, having a plan, even a small one, means you’re more likely to follow through.
For your Mom
Whether you choose a physically distanced picnic in the park, a flower subscription from a Canadian florist, a day of sprucing up the house, outdoor chores, or a basket of gourmet goodies, pairing them up with a phone or video call or handwritten card will keep you at Golden Boy status for another year to come!
Remember, your wife is a mom, too
I’m just going to be blunt here: most people love their moms, and sometimes it might slip our minds that our wives are moms, too (if you have kids). So, don’t let this special day go by without doing something to acknowledge her by treating her like the queen that she is.
You and your kids can make some easy DIY Mother’s Day gifts that will put a smile on her face! Not a crafty person? That’s okay! How about you take the kids out to the park or for a long car ride and ice cream while your wife gets to spend the day at home relaxing or choosing whatever she wants to do with her free time.
Alternatively, you can take things up a notch and show her how much you care by doing something I’m sure she’s brought up before—learn her love language. Ooo. Yup, it’s a thing. To be honest, it’s not as mumbo-jumbo-y as you might think it is. I highly recommend you learn the 5 Love Languages for your wife and yourself. It’s pretty cool, and it has helped a lot of couples in their relationships.
Kindness boosts your mood
Truthfully, Mother’s Day or not, doing things for others will always make you feel a little better. Studies have shown this, but most importantly, if you try it, you’ll see it for yourself.
What’s something you’ve done or are planning to do for the mom in your life? Share it with us in the comments below!
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