Who doesn’t love a good ole’ fashioned handmade card and an armful of roses? I sure do. Think about it. Mother’s Day is the one day out of the entire year where moms actually get their own holiday. It’s a day that represents love, thankfulness and an overall appreciation for every time we have gone above and beyond the human capabilities of what we ourselves think we cannot do. Mother’s Day looks different for each mom out there but the meaning behind the day remains universal among us all; moms are amazing. Simply put. What type of mom are you?
For the ‘Spa Mom’
Most spas offer some sort of discounted package for Mother’s Day. Don’t see one listed on their website? No problem. Pick up the phone and call to double check. Spa managers are happy to accommodate all types of budgets; especially when mom is the receiver.
For the ‘Sporty Mom’
Take your wife to your local running store to have her feet professionally measured and analyzed so that she is sure to get the right kind of sneakers for the right kind of workout. This is something that moms don’t feel like they have the time to do but secretly want to do because their feet are oh so achy. A cute workout outfit can’t hurt either. There’s nothing like heading to your favorite Barre class in your new spandex leggings and tank top.
For the ‘Simplistic Mom’
– Do you have a mom or wife who likes to keep things simple? She enjoys the basics of everyday life and doesn’t like to fuss over flowers or chocolates? No problem. Even the most laid back, simplistic mom needs a little TLC on Mother’s Day. Treat her to breakfast in bed, a handmade card from all the kids or an afternoon nap coupled with the lights off and the door closed — no interruptions allowed.
For the ‘Super Mom’
I think we’re all super moms in our own ways but for the moms who seem to be able to do it all and do it all really well without breaking a sweat, the bar can be pretty high. I like to pull out the big surprises for these types of moms because really, they usually have a to-do list and know exactly who’s going where, what’s going on and what’s for dinner the night before they ever need to know. So, here’s the plan. Send her away for the day. Take the day off if you are the husband reading this and surprise her with a day out. When she wakes up in the morning, eat breakfast together as a family and tell her you have a few things planned for her. She will love this. You could even take it a step further and turn it into a scavenger hunt. Give her one note that says, “Your first clue is waiting for you where you brew your coffee each morning.” The ideas are endless. This type of day serves more than one purpose. First, it lets her know that you’re thinking about her. Second, it lets her know that she matters and third, it’s fun. And who doesn’t need a little fun in their lives?
For the ‘Tired Mom’
I think we’re all a little bit tired these days but you know the moms I’m talking about. These moms have a lot of kids, or have recently had a baby and don’t sleep much at night. These moms need a break…so give her exactly that. Let her have the whole house to herself. You take the kids and leave the house. When moms are tired, the last thing they want to do is think about getting ready and going somewhere. Trust me, I dreamt about this very thing when I had my very first baby. Best. Gift. Ever.
For the ‘New Mom’
Yay! This mom just had her first baby and is still glowing from the crazy hormones. These moms are the easiest to please because they’re so overwhelmed by their new precious bambino that nothing can burst their bubble. Get her a cute necklace with the baby’s name and birthstone or make a little collage book with pictures from your first days home with the baby. Yes dads, you can do this. Just grab a couple of pictures and glue them into a pretty little book, write some words next to them and voila! You have a perfect and meaningful gift that you can give to your wife and pass down to your child someday.
For the ‘Pregnant Mom’
Whether this is your first pregnancy or fifth, being pregnant takes Mother’s Day to a whole new level. You are hormonal, tired, overwhelmed (maybe) and don’t really know what you want. That’s okay. Pregnant moms always enjoy a date with their husbands. Schedule a night out and enjoy each other’s company. If you have other kids at home, get a babysitter or ask grandma and grandpa to watch them for a few hours. Your wife will love the fact that she can sneak in some alone time with you before the new baby arrives.
For the ‘Romantic Mom’
I think we all secretly want some sort of romance in our lives. This mom likes the dozen red roses, heartfelt card and chocolates in a foil-wrapped heart-shaped box. You might even throw in a few balloons and a stuffed teddy bear that says “I love you.” These are the easiest moms to buy for on Mother’s Day but for some reason, husbands often miss the mark. Spend the extra few dollars and take her out to dinner. You don’t have to bust the budget but think outside of the box and if going out to eat is not in the finances, have a picnic inside on your living room floor. Now that’s romantic.
Guys, Mother’s Day is May 8th this year and this list will give you plenty of ideas to get things rolling. Moms, you might leave this article somewhere around the house where you think (wink, wink) your husband might notice it. A little help in the idea department never hurt anyone. Because really, the whole purpose behind Mother’s Day is to acknowledge moms for the amazing people they are.
By Meagan Ruffing, a parenting journalist and mother to three. She enjoys encouraging moms everywhere and does just that in her forthcoming book, “Overwhelmed to In Control: Keeping Things Simple When Life Gets Tough.” www.meaganruffing.com
