Whether you want to show your own mother, the mother of your children, or just a good friend how much you appreciate what she does as a mother, first of all, let me thank you! Moms everywhere could use more appreciation.
Here seven ideas on how to show the mother in your life that you appreciate her:
- Write her a thank you note or letter. Be as specific as possible. (Need some ideas? Check out the twenty-nine great entries for the “Thanks, Mom” Group Writing Project!)
- Give her some time off. Offer to babysit her children, or arrange for someone you both trust to watch her (or both of your) children and take her out!
- Get her a thoughtful gift. Something that she likes is best: however she likes to treat herself. Whether that’s chocolates or a bubble bath. Be sure to include a note telling her to take some time to enjoy herself!
- Get her a pretty gift. For the last few years at Christmas, I’ve given my husband a gift list which always ends with “Something to make me feel beautiful.” For some women, this is jewelry, or make up, or nice clothing. For others, it could be a nicely framed picture of her that looks particularly attractive. For others, it could be pampering at home or at a spa.
- Tell her what a good job she’s doing. Even the most confident of mothers sometimes struggles with feelings of inadequacy. Those reassuring words can echo back to her the next time she doubts her abilities as a mother.
- Pray for her. If you’re religious, you understand what a strengthening effect a prayer of faith can have. Studies have even shown that people who were sick recovered more quickly when people prayed for them—even if they didn’t know they were praying. Imagine what it could do for your favorite mother!
- Just say it. Tell her, “Jeanette, I think it’s great that you’re a mom. A mother’s work is so important, and I’m glad that you’re involved in your kids lives that way.”
Now it’s your turn: what’s the best way for your spouse, kids or friends to show you that they appreciate what you do as a mother?
(PS: I hope all of your spouses, parents, neighbors and friends type that question into the search engine of their choice and end up here!)
5 replies on “How can I show a mother that I appreciate what she does?”
You mean, not just on Mother’s Day? I want to send this to my mother, but then if she did anything on the list — which she wouldn’t — I would just think she did it because I sent the list. Our relationship isn’t the best since I became a mother. Which, by the way, is why I couldn’t participate in that writing project.
That said, I would love to receive a card with a note. Just for no reason.
A gift of babysitting, even long enough for me to take a walk around my block (or blogosphere) would be awesome, but just doesn’t happen in my life.
So, a gift certificate for a dinner out would be awesome. So I could avoid making one meal at home. Just once.
The best way lately, that my family can show me appreciation is helping out. It is so discouraging when I feel like they leave things undone, thinking I’ll do it sooner or later (which is what I usually do). I feel sort of taken advantage of. But if they take a little initiative, I feel I’m more than just a maid/nanny.
Show respect for what she’s doing. The sacrifices that a mother makes (her own interests, free time, sleep, hobbies, outings with friends, etc.) often go unnoticed and unappreciated. Just to hear that someone understands and admires mothers for their choice to mother gives support and encouragement.
That’s a great list. 🙂 For me, helping a little more would show me so much. Like on nights when I only gt half the dishes washed if I woke up to find the other half were done I would feel a thousand times more appriciated. I wouldn’t ven need a card or a present, just knowing that I have a partnr to pitch in.
I Always love to Appreciate my Mother But the Right words to use are Always Far from me.But I know that my Mum IS tje Best thing in my life.