What Does Mom Really Want for Mother's Day?
Mother’s Day is coming up, and if you're a mother of any kind- biological, adoptive, spiritual, we want you to know that you're doing a great job. We honor you and can't wait to celebrate you!
One of the questions that we hear a lot is, “what does Mom REALLY want for Mother’s Day?”
Below are some thoughts to consider.
1. A Day Off
Not from being a mom because, let’s face it, being a mom is a huge privilege that we don’t take for granted and wouldn’t trade for anything. But, a day off from the responsibility of being a mom would be awesome. A day free of chores and worries; a day filled with peace and not turmoil. No fighting kids, or adults for that matter. A day to rest and simply enjoy being around the ones who call us “Mom” when the stress of upcoming events and decisions can be set aside for another day. What would it take for you to make this happen for your mom or wife?
2. Affirmation
When was the last time you said, “Thanks, Mom!”? Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and we sometimes feel like a failure. Oftentimes, our kids’ failures feel like our own, and we spend too much time doubting our success and our significance. A reminder from our kids, our husbands, our own parents, and our friends that we are okay – no, that we are great – builds our confidence and gives us courage. We are constantly learning new things and making decisions we have never made before, and we aren’t always confident that we are doing the right thing. Dads, just because your wife is not your mom doesn’t mean you don’t celebrate her. Every day is a good day to let her know that you are proud of her, but especially on Mother’s Day. Teach your kids to honor mom with their words and actions. Some of our favorite things to hear are:
“I’m proud of you”
“You did a good job handling that situation”
“Mom, you are a good mom. Thank you”
“Mom, I love you”
3. A Meaningful Day
Do you remember the Halloween Peanuts special where all the kids in the Peanuts gang go out trick or treating. At each house, the kids compare the treats they received, and every time Charlie Brown says, “I got a rock”. At the end of the day when every mom on social media is posting about all the things they did and received for Mother’s Day, don’t let your mom be like Charlie Brown. This is a good time to consider your mom’s/wife’s love language (Physical Touch, Gifts, Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, and Acts of Service). Every mom is different, but at the end of the day, she needs to feel loved, honored and worthy. She may not think she needs those things, but she does.
And lastly, keep in mind that this day comes with a lot of expectations and, truthfully, can be a downright difficult day for many. If your mom has passed away, you are unable to have children, you are a mom who gets ignored while celebrating your own mom, or you have a difficult relationship with your mom, just the thought of Mother’s Day can bring on feelings of guilt, abandonment, unworthiness, sadness, and even anger. If you are unable to celebrate your biological mom, think about the women in your life who have been “spiritual” moms to you and celebrate that relationship. Be mindful of the women in your life and remember that an extra hug and kind words can go a long way in healing a broken heart.