5 Ways to Love Even a Difficult Mom on Mother's Day
by Silicon Valley REALTOR Michelle Carr Crowe
Even a difficult mother, grandmother, aunt, wife or sister deserves appreciation on Mother's Day.
The trick is learning and using which of the five "love language" that speaks to that particular mother's heart.
Consider reading the book "The Five Languages of Love" as a tool to learn more about what love language resonates most with you, as well as the mothers in your life.
Whether it's verbal words, written words, physical gifts, physical affection or gifts of time, it's important to speak the right language to ensure the deepest connection and impact.
Mother's Day Gifts of Verbal Words. Stop multitasking, be fully present and let your mother know you have something important to tell her. Then look her in the eyes and say, "I love you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day."
Mother's Day Gifts of Written Words. While Hallmark has done a great of offering a variety of Mother's Day messages, it can be hard to find just the right card that expresses how you feel about your mother. Think about creating a simple scrapbook-style card with special words and pet names that evoke happy memories.
Consider adding a short (or long) personal note, telling her you love her, you are proud of her and she did a good job as a Mom. No child is too old to make a home-made card, whether with scrapbooking or on the computer. Younger children can draw pictures if they are too young to write. My youngest daughter made a card on my computer for me and I love it. My oldest daughter handmade a scrapbook-style card for me that I still treasure.
Mother's Day Gifts of Physical Gifts. Besides cards, traditional Mother's Day gifts of chocolate, jewelry and flowers are commonly bestowed. Be thoughtful with gifts. If she prefers only certain See's candies, get her a custom box comprised of her favorites rather than the assorted collection with half she may throw out.
If Mom has a special collection, whether it’s Swarovski figurines, Disney pins or art prints, consider adding to it. Be sure you aren't buying a duplicate of something she already owns.
Consider buying a first-edition hardback book of her favorite author or printing a computer-made book of her favorite recipes. Make it tangible and personal.
Mother's Day Gifts of Physical Affection. Give your mother a real hug-one where you hold her for a minute and just be close, as you did as a child. Put your arm around her while watching a movie, or when sitting and talking, hold her hand.
Mother's Day Gifts of Time. Remember the coupon books children would give to their parents? From “Good for one hug” to “Good for one chore with no complaining,” gifts of time can be priceless. Need ideas? Try a grown son taking her mother out on a “date” just the two of them-that is a rare present, one my mother treasured for years. Or adult children going to church (and social hour afterwards) without complaining.
It can be doing a chore or task for her, such as organizing the garage, washing the car, or taking donations to the thrift store.
Or it can be spending time together doing something she enjoys, such as a day at the zoo, an art exhibit or a musical concert. One of my favorite time gifts is to set aside a Mom-and-child date of an afternoon to spend together doing whatever she wants to do for two hours-maybe even play "Go Fish", "War" or "Candyland" for old times sake.
Be sure to say thank all of the women who've been mothers to you, sharing their gifts of time, affection, words and more. It can be a phone call, a handwritten note, a lovely card, a gift, washing the car or just a heartfelt hug. Let those ladies know you love and appreciate them in your life.
My Mom Judy Carr passed away 13 years ago and I still miss her. This photo is of Mother's Day in 2005 when she was well and healthy with all of the family. This photo shows her at her happiest-surrounded by all of her precious grandchildren-Shane, Marlene, Meghan and Mo.
To my Mommy Judy Carr up in heaven, Happy Mother's Day and I love you. You did a great job. I'm still working to learn how to be as good a Mommy as you were. Here's a kiss, and a hug.
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Thanks for reading "Five Special Ways to Express Happy Mother's Day, May 13, 2018"
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