I celebrated my first Mother’s Day 26 years ago. I know it seems like a cliché, but the years have flown by so quickly! When you’re in the midst of sleepless nights and never-ending diapers, it’s easy to try and wish the days away. Now I know that raising teenagers and parenting adult children is no picnic! I’ve tried to embrace each season and celebrate the little moments in life.
Mother’s Day is one of those occasions to give back to this special woman in your life. Today I wanted to share a few ideas for loving on Mom this year that don’t involve sticky fingers and construction paper!
One of the best ways to truly give a heartfelt gift is to know the other person’s love language. According to the Five Love Languages, one way to discover this is to observe how they most often express love to others.
1. Quality Time
Does your mom most enjoy it when you just spend time together? Her love language may be quality time, and taking her on an adventure for an afternoon or evening might be just what she wants! Or maybe she’s more laid back and sitting on the porch swing sipping coffee would be more her style.
2. Acts of Service
Many moms would probably list acts of service as a primary love language. After all, we spend a lot of time preparing meals, washing clothes, helping with school and shuttling our children around. What are some ways you can truly serve your mom? Maybe she would love her house cleaned, either by you or a service you pay for. If she enjoys gardening, why not take her to buy plants and then haul the products home and plant them for her?
3. Physical Touch
As my children have gotten older, I no longer receive those running-full-speed hugs that I did when they were younger. I’m waiting for my first grandchild to come tumbling into my arms, but until then, my adult children still always say goodbye with a hug. We’ve learned that life is too short and hugs are just sweet reminders of our blessings.
4. Words of Affirmation
Now we’re on to my personal favorite! As a blogger and writer, words are one of the ways I’ve always expressed love to others. For years, I kept a small journal for each of my children with little observations written throughout the year, and then I gave it to them at Christmas. When they went off to camp, I sent daily encouragement notes to ward off the anxiety of being away from home.
Now that you’re the adult, how can you best express this to your mom? Even if you hate to write, practically every store in town has cards front and center this time of year. Don’t wait until the last minute; take some time perusing the selections for words that will uplift your mom and build up your relationship.
If your mom is on Facebook or social media, leave her a note so the world can see you’re proud of her!
5. Receiving Gifts
Last Mother’s Day, our daughter and son-in-law told us they were expecting our first grandchild and it was an amazing gift! Although it wasn’t a tangible one, the news filled us with joy! If your mom truly loves gifts, what can you buy her that would spread smiles to her face? How about gift cards for a massage, manicure, coffee shop or favorite store? Other possibilities are a weekend getaway or membership to a gym. Be creative and think outside the box. If financial resources are limited, think about putting together an inexpensive gift basket with bath goodies and chocolates, always a good choice!
I hope this Mother’s Day will be one to remember!