Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love ? mothers are the unsung heroes of everyday life. Although it is hoped that you recognize and celebrate your Mom on a regular basis, her special day-Mother's Day-is soon approaching.
Although the first official Mother's Day took place on May 9, 1914 when, then president, Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May "Mother's Day", cultures have been celebrating mothers throughout history. While you may not be planning to erect a statue as done by the ancient Greeks, this Mother's Day you'll want to ensure you have thought of a way to show her you care. Here are a few ideas:
WITH WORDS ?
? Buy or make a card. With over 144 million commercial greeting cards given, Mother's Day remains the third-largest card-sending holiday. While store-bought cards are nice, consider spending a little extra time and making your own. Include memories, reasons why your Mom is special, or even an original poem.
? Send an electronic card. There is large assortment of online greetings you can personalize with your own special message-everything from animated cards to greetings from the cat.
? Create a memory book. Fill it with special remembrances from you and your family. Dads can help younger family members write down memories and messages for mommy, or help select original artwork and drawings for inclusion. A homemade video or audio book can also capture the memories.
WITH ACTIONS ?
? Give her a day off. Taking over the laundry, dishes, cooking or other routine jobs she does is always appreciated. Give her that most elusive of items-free time!
? Start a family ritual. Consider starting an annual event. Look to Mom's interests for inspiration. Picnic by the lake? A family show celebrating Mom? Even Moms & Dads have Moms. Consider taking the kids to visit your Mom and having a special family tea party at her home or nursing home.
? Give the gift of touch. Foot massages, back rubs, hugs & many kisses!
? Make something. Consider framing foot and handprints of young children, making personalized coupon books or a special craft. One mom shares, "My son gave me a lovely pin he made. It looks like a wad of chewing gum with 'jewels' on it. But there are still times (years later) I wear it with pride!"
WITH PURCHASES ?
? Take family movies and have them transferred onto VHS tapes or DVD's.
? Spa treatments, bubble bath, theatre tickets, a book by a favourite author, a special food, or dinner out. It's not the size or expense, it's the thought that makes it a gift from the heart.
Your mom is an amazing person-cheerleader, doctor, counselor, protector and guide. Abraham Lincoln had the right idea when he said, "All that I am or hope to be I owe to my mother." This year, try to put a new spin on your gift to Mom, making sure it reflects just how much you care.
Award-winning educator, author & parent coach, Rob Stringer is currently working on his first book, Parenting with Intention, and has launched a free monthly newsletter by the same name. Visit http://www.parentingwithintention.ca to subscribe, access resources, or learn more about PWI's parent coaching services.
apartment cleaning near Highland Park ..To have reasonable expectations of our children is an important... Read More
For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives... Read More
"No thank you. Don't bother to send me the report... Read More
For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More
IntroductionAs a parent who wants the best for your children,... Read More
Have you ever wondered why toys for babies tend to... Read More
Not many things are more upsetting than discovering that your... Read More
Question 1 "How do I get more time to play?"... Read More
This time, I would like to talk about a subject... Read More
Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More
Here are some things that you can do to help... Read More
I have always been aware of my number one weakness:... Read More
There are moments in a parent's or grandparent's life, when... Read More
I never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
Do you have a wild child? Then this article may... Read More
A tall, weary-looking mother with glasses, walked into my counseling... Read More
An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More
Is there anything wrong with lying, cheating, stealing, shop-lifting, taking... Read More
It can be difficult on all family members to have... Read More
I have three children, ages 19 and 16 (yes, the... Read More
1) It's not my (pot, beer, cigarettes, etc.), I'm just... Read More
The cost of being a parent and raising a child... Read More
Very often, new parents rely on a parenting tip or... Read More
We adopted our first child when he was three months... Read More
It was a day that I will forever be etched... Read More
cleaning lady near Arlington Heights ..Family meetings provide opportunities for feelings to be aired and... Read More
Sitting by her Pinocchio lamp, she smiled at me as... Read More
"If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think... Read More
Being consistent when children are less than perfect can make... Read More
It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More
Being a parent is a role that requires a large... Read More
Rule #1 Make Every Bite Count!Everything your child eats should... Read More
Children bombard parents with many challenging behaviours. We are delighted... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
If your child or teen has been diagnosed with Attention... Read More
It's hard to explain to the uninitiated the changes that... Read More
Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More
Today's dads are more hands-on than ever before and their... Read More
Is your babysitter watching the kids and your k9 family... Read More
Q. How do we decide what our teens should be... Read More
Most of us recognize the continuing escalation of violence around... Read More
One of the most difficult struggles in life for a... Read More
The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are... Read More
Nanny 911 Interview with Montel WilliamsI saw an interview with... Read More
It is human nature to feel competitive and envious toward... Read More
There is a front line and a back end to... Read More
Criticism is punitiveOur children judge themselves on the opinions we... Read More
Have you ever watched your teenager make a mistake (that... Read More
Oh yes you have! Suddenly, "Where's Bobby?" You instantly realize... Read More
The popularity of EEG Biofeedback Training continues to grow both... Read More
Parenting |