Over the last year, everyone has had it tough. Especially Mothers. This isn’t to start an argument over who has had it hardest because everyone has had a rough go of it, but it is to say that Mothers have had a different set of particularly difficult-to-navigate challenges.
Mothers emotionally supported their kids, spouses, and other family and friends while managing their own heightened emotions through the pandemic. Mothers left the workforce in record numbers and became at-home teachers; teachers who are also Mothers worried not just about the kids in their homes but stayed up late worrying about their classroom kids. Mothers have managed relocations, working at home, and launched businesses all while making sure their kids know they are loved through a strange time of isolation.
Mothers became Mothers and expanded their broads, navigating birth, IVF, and adoption through a global pandemic. Mothers lost their own Mothers and other family members close to them, continuing to Mother through unimaginable grief. They Mothered through their own health battles, often having to deal with deferred treatments if the ailment was not COVID-related. Health care provider Mothers put themselves at immense health risk to take care of our family members.
Volunteer Mothers continued to support philanthropic causes that needed it more than ever. Extrovert Mothers missed their friends and extended family terribly; introverted Mothers have been “on” for a full year surrounded by people (their people, but people nonetheless). Mothers were in complete isolation, away from their adult children and grandchildren.
Mothers made holidays and birthdays special when there were so many limits on celebrations. Mothers cheered on and supported when every day tasks seemed to be too much for the souls in their houses to handle. Mothers guided their children through their own grief, wiping away more tears than they ever thought they would in a given year.
Mothers did all this and so much more. This is the year to honor Mothers, whose everyday super powers are both very visible and very often go unnoticed.
No matter the love language of the Mothers in your life, this is the year to plan ahead, think about how they appreciate affection to be shown, and execute to the best of your abilities.
A night at a resort. Bonus points if a spa is involved. My personal favorite, it’s not that I want to get away from my family — I’m very much looking forward to making family memories at a local resort during the day. Quite simply, a quiet night of recharging is a luxury not often available.
Designer flowers. A term I cobbled together for lack of a better one. I LOVE flowers, and I almost always have fresh cut ones in the house. I pick them up at the store all the time because a few dollars’ worth of flowers bring me a million dollars worth of joy. But there are some gorgeous home delivery options that I would never order for myself. Grace Rose Farm has the most beautiful heirloom roses and Lewis Miller Design has the most amazing flower flash boxes periodically available seasonally.
A day out with other mothers. Plan a Mother’s Day brunch with her other mom friends the day or weekend before. Why before? Mother’s Day brunches are often crazy to get a reservation for and it will be much more relaxing for them if they aren’t competing for service. Having a brunch catered for a group of moms is also a really thoughtful direction — just be sure wherever the location is, clean up and break down are also taken care of.
Homemade gifts. Have your kids answer these questions and frame it for her. Also ask them what they might like to make for mom — you might be surprised at their creativity! Schools usually help out but taking the initiative for something made by the little hands in your house is extremely thoughtful and touching.
Homemade meals on Mother’s Day. This is always a sweet, thoughtful option. Just remember clean up is a part of any homemade meal.
Mothers made holidays and birthdays special when there were so many limits on celebrations. Mothers cheered on and supported when every day tasks seemed to be too much for the souls in their houses to handle. Mothers guided their children through their own grief, wiping away more tears than they everevereveeve of that too. She may not say it so I will: no mom wants thever thought they would in a given year. s that weren’t taken care of because we were relaxing on Mother’s Day. Being off schedule the Monday after is overwhelming for a lot of moms and leaves them feeling like they’re playing catch up the rest of the week.
And, if you really want to spoil her with iconic luxury gifts, see my post here about timeless gifts for any budget.
Commenti