GFM MAY 2016
7 Ways to show your Mom you’re thankful for her this Mother’s Day
I’m sure just about every Mom will tell you that being a parent is not easy. In fact, it is a job like no other—parenting is 24/7, all day and night, on weekends, during holidays, and without pay. However, Moms will also tell you that being a parent is more rewarding and fulfilling than anything else out there, and that’s what makes the job worthwhile. If you need a few ideas to show her just how thankful you are this Mother’s Day, we’ve got seven ideas—which are both kid and adult approved—to show your appreciation on the special day:
Chore Time
Mom does a lot, so why not take a few tasks off of her to-do list? During the week of Mother’s Day, pre-teens and teens can ask Mom what you can do to take some of the stress off of her. Offering to wash dishes, clean the bathroom, dust, or unload groceries will show how much you care–and guess what? It’s free! We guarantee you that Mom will remember your willingness to help for years to come.
Scavenger Hunt
This is something for all ages, but of course, younger children may need some adult guidance when putting this together for Mom. Make the scavenger hunt creative—the hunt can be intimate (with just you and Mom) or the whole family can hunt together! One example: write up some clues that lead her to a treasure chest of her favorite things. Another idea is to have each family member write a compliment for Mom on a piece of paper and place each piece in a trail for her to follow. At the end of the trail, surprise her with a hug and a kiss from everyone!
Plant Her Favorite Flower
Mother’s Day is in Spring, so it is the perfect time to plant something for her. Even if she doesn’t have a favorite flower, a small rosebush is a great alternative. Let her know that you’re planting it as a symbol of your love and appreciation for her, which grows every day. It may seem a bit cheesy to you at first, but it is sure to make her feel fuzzy inside. This one is a great activity for kids. Dads—grab up the kiddos and help them dig some dirt!
Tea Party
Having a tea party with Mom is a classic and relaxing Mother’s Day activity, and kids love it, too! “Our Kindergarten classes celebrate Mother”s Day with a Mother”s Day Tea Party. The students work hard all week to prepare for the special event. They make gifts, draw their mom’s portraits, make special hats for their moms to wear, and practice songs and poems to perform the day of the tea,” Susannah Allen, Early Childhood Director at Tattnall Square Academy, says, “It”s a day that both moms and children treasure!” After all, there’s nothing quite like sipping tea, munching on shortbread cookies, and practicing a British accent with Mom!
Recipe Book
Adults, listen up: This idea is a great way for you to honor your own Moms this Mother’s Day! Have a great cook in the family? Sit down with them and create a custom recipe book that is full of Mom’s favorite foods! Ask a sibling or another relative to help you cook a meal from the recipe book for Mom on the special day and present to her the book after she’s done eating! Even after Mother’s Day ends, Mom will be happy to have the recipe book to cook up some of her most loved meals.
Art Show
Moms always cherish handmade gifts because these gifts take time and thought to create. This Mother’s Day, present handmade gifts to Mom by putting on a simple art show. Laura Perkins, principal of Academy for Classical Education (ACE), tells of students’ plans to surprise Moms with art: “students paint a canvas picture of what they think their mom looks like and they present that to the moms.” Perkins also states that ACE’s “Art program is working on Mother’s Day plaques which they sell to anyone interested in them.” After the completion of this, Perkins says that art students usually create a plaque to give to their mothers as well. Dads or other adults can get extra creative with kids’ art shows by providing snacks and light refreshments for Mom while she enjoys the art made just for her!
Date Night
That’s right. It’s not just for Moms and Dads; rather, Moms can enjoy a sweet date night with her family. A date night with Mom is a great idea for teens and adults to show their thanks! Get dressed up and take Mom out for a nice dinner during the weekend of Mother’s Day. Many restaurants actually offer a discounted meal or a freebie for Mom after she orders! After dinner, ask Mom what she wants to do with the rest of her night: go see a movie, take her bowling, go for a coffee, or ask her if she wants to do some shopping in local shops across town. You are sure to give Mom butterflies after sweeping her off her feet for a night of family fun!
Happy Mother’s Day to the Moms that keep us going and care for us every day! #