What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day
A minimalist Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, I’m hoping for a celebration without store-bought cards and their store-bought sentiments. I’m hoping for a minimalist Mother’s Day with my family’s time and love, instead.
Here’s my version of the perfect Mother’s Day, with minimalist principles in mind:
My husband hears the children fidget + hops out of bed without probing. He corrals them in the basement so I can sleep in. But I’m awake upstairs – (of course I am!) – and I lie in bed listening to the children enjoy uninterrupted giggle-time with their father.
My preschooler paints the exterior of a flowerpot and plants flowers within; I place it on the deck + think of her all summer long. Or perhaps she makes a card just for me, either will do. But if she gives me nothing that’s okay, too, because her existence is the greatest gift I could ever receive.
My husband completes a chore I’ve been hounding him about, like hanging the bird house or changing the water purifier. He does it without fanfare; instead, I notice the task’s completion on my own + realize he has indeed been listening.
My husband plans in advance a suitable outing for the family. He packs the diaper bag without reminder and remembers to bring snacks. He invites both his mother + mine, as well as our grandmothers still living so that, for once, I’m not the logistics expert.
If it’s a nice day, they wash my car – both inside + out – so that nary a Cheerio remains. I look on as Ani accidentally sprays Daddy with the hose; my heart smiles when she covers his cheeks with bubbles.
Every mother craves acknowledgement and appreciation; the best way to show it is by freely giving time and love.
Suggestions for a memorable, gift-free Mother’s Day:
1. Let her sleep in.
The second a kid rustles, jump out of bed and go downstairs. Practice the skill of multitasking: Entertain the children while folding the laundry + emptying the dishwasher so that your wife isn’t forced to play catch-up on Monday after enjoying her Sunday.
2. Respect her needs.
If your wife prefers to be left alone on Mother’s Day, take the kids out of the house for the entire day. Pack snacks and changes of clothes, then leave. Don’t call or text with questions about the kids. Give her the gift of self-care + know she’ll respect you more once you return.
If, instead, she wants to spend time with her family, take the time to thoughtfully plan the day in accordance with her wishes. What would she enjoy? What does the weather allow? Think about it, plan it out, and make her wishes a reality without excuse.
3. If you had planned to purchase a gift, hire a cleaning service instead.
Take the money you would have spent on a piece of jewelry or handbag and instead purchase as many cleaning visits as the monetary value of the would-be gift allows. Give your wife something priceless: free time.
Finally, a few DON’TS:
Don’t serve breakfast in bed. It’s always awkward and rarely tastes good.
Don’t purchase a thoughtless trinket + assume she won’t notice. She will, + she won’t be happy.
Don’t treat Mother’s Day as any other day. It’s a special day, + every mom deserves acknowledgement.
Wishing everyone a wonderful celebration of motherhood!
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