Honoring Mom on Mother's Day

(Photo by Samantha Hurley from Burst)

Although many moms enjoy getting pampered and taking a break on Mother’s Day, most would probably agree that they also cherish homemade gifts and spending quality family together.  Here are a few ideas for your children to help make Mom feel special and incorporate a little literacy practice in as well.

Making a card for Mother’s Day is the easiest and most obvious starting point for showing Mom that she is loved.  For younger kids who may not be able to write yet or are just starting to learn, the card can be as simple as a drawing of something they like to do with Mom.  Then they can dictate to Dad, an older sibling or another adult what they would like the card to say. Older children can write a note to Mom telling why she is loved or a favorite memory, adventure or thing they like to do with her.  Taking the time to include specific reasons and details will mean more to Mom than generic statements like “You are a great Mom.”

This is the gift that keeps on giving.  Brainstorm little ways to give Mom a break and then turn them into coupons that she can redeem whenever she wants.  You can vary the tasks that the coupons can be redeemed for based on the age of the child. For example, younger children may want to include coupons good for“1⁄2 hour cuddle time with child, 1⁄2 hour uninterrupted reading time, cleaning up toys without arguing, choice of game to play for family game night, etc.”  Older children can add more coupons for helping out around the house such as coupons good for“helping with the laundry, cleaning up dishes, talking dog for a walk, 1⁄2 hour activity with kids without electronics, etc”

Most moms would love to have a break from making a meal whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Obviously, younger kids would need the help of Dad or another adult, but older kids might be able to do more of this independently. The entire process of choosing what to serve, shopping for ingredients and following a recipe involves reading and writing.  Just don’t forget to include cleaning up as well because the pleasure of enjoying the meal may be quickly erased by a pile of dirty dishes and counters.

Show Mom that you love her enough to spend the time together to get to know her better.  Brainstorm a list of questions that you can ask her (adjust according to the age of the child). Writing the answers down is optional, but would be a special keepsake that your child may treasure when they are older.  Below is a list of sample questions to help get you started:

• What is a funny memory she has about you?
• Where would she like to go next on vacation?
• What is her favorite book, T.V. show, movie, singer, holiday, etc.?
• What was it like on the day you were born?
• Tell about a time that she was embarrassed.
• What did she like/dislike about or remember the most when she was your age?   
• How would she like to spend Mother's Day?

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to involve extravagant gifts or gestures. Taking time to plan thoughtful activities that allow Mom to have a break from everyday responsibilities and/or spend quality time with her family will help make Mother’s Day a day that she won’t forget!