How Do We Honor Someone This Important?
Many say that motherhood is a thankless job—you’re stuck running around, you cook, you clean, you read bedtime stories, and you might even have a career as well. They do all that work…only to rarely get a “thank you.” No more! It’s time we explored the best ways to finally show our moms some appreciation.
1. Say “Thank You”
We take our mothers for granted, even if we don’t mean to. After handling basically everything all our lives, it’s easy to expect that treatment going forward or to grow accustomed to their hard work. That’s exactly why a simple thank you goes such a long way. So, thank her and mean it!
Xavier Mouton Photographie on Unsplash
2. Take Care of the Cleaning
Mothers have a lot on their plates, let alone household chores. Take the initiative and clean without being asked. Your mother will appreciate coming home to a tidy space, and it’s one less thing off her shoulders.
3. Cook Her Favorite Meal
Our moms have cooked endless meals, so why not repay the favor? If you’re good in the kitchen, whip up her favorite meal and treat her to a nice family dinner. If you’re someone who burns water, stick with simple recipes or put together easy dishes like charcuterie boards!
4. Spend Quality Time Together
It’s not always easy to spend time together, especially as we get older. But try to pencil your mom into your schedule; she’ll appreciate the invite to dinner or a get-together at your house. If you live nearby, try to visit at least once a week.
5. Write Her a Letter
Not everyone is good with words, and that’s okay! You can always write a letter detailing your appreciation and love for her. What’s great about this gesture is that she’ll have a keepsake to cherish.
6. Handle Her Chores
Is laundry piling up at home? Could you grab the groceries? Whatever chores your mom has, look into which ones you can handle on your own. There’s nothing better than coming home to a cooked meal or a vacuumed floor.
7. Get Her a Gift
What better way to show your appreciation than a little gift? Don’t worry, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to impress your mom; hardworking mothers appreciate heartfelt gifts like houseplants, books, or bottles of wine. Pay attention to what she likes, and you’re in the clear!
Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
8. Do the Dishes
It’s not fair that mom cooks dinner and does the dishes. Take charge and get scrubbing! It’s even easier if you have a dishwasher, so there’s no reason why you can’t make your mom’s life a little easier.
9. Be Her Chaperone
Our moms have provided countless rides—she’s due for her role as passenger princess. If your mom needs a lift somewhere, offer to take her or pick her up. It’s easier than getting a cab, and she’ll appreciate how much you care.
10. Pay a Genuine Compliment
At the end of the day, nothing hits quite like a good compliment. From a new wardrobe to her glowing personality, you have endless things to fawn over, and your mom will undoubtedly appreciate the gesture.
11. Make a DIY Gift
Store-bought gifts are nice, but DIY presents hold special value. Even if you aren’t the most crafty person, there’s no shortage of options to choose from: paper flower bouquets, knit plushies, and even scrapbooks all make great homemade gifts.
12. Run Her Errands
With so much to do every day, moms rarely have the time to run all their errands. Lighten the load and take action if you think it would help! Anything from pharmacy runs to shipping parcels can make her day that much brighter.
13. Take a Family Photo
Just about every mom has asked for a family photo at some point—which is why you should finally oblige! Whether it’s a corny shoot or a classy portrait, an impromptu photo will go on the mantle immediately.
14. Be Honest With Her
We have plenty to say about our mothers, but it’s not always easy to articulate our appreciation. However, that vulnerability is exactly what brings you closer and shows just how much you mean it. An honest conversation goes a long way.
15. Grab Some Flowers
Pretty much everyone loves flowers! This home run gesture is perfect for green thumbs or a simple dining room centerpiece, and you have dozens of arrangements to pick from. Don’t forget that you also have plants or even seed packets to kickstart the greenery.
16. Check in With Her
When was the last time you called your mom? Exactly. Pick up the phone and give her a shout. It doesn’t need to be a long conversation, especially if you’re swamped, but even a few minutes are enough to show that she was on your mind.
17. Take a Trip Together
If anyone deserves some time away, it’s mom—and the only thing that makes a trip even better is you alongside her! The best part is you don’t need to go anywhere extravagant to enjoy the sights, sounds, and each other’s company.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
18. Send Her on a Solo Vacation
On the other hand, some mothers would love the chance to get reacquainted with themselves. Whether it’s a night in a hotel or a solo weekend trip, pick up the tab and send her on her merry way. Chances are, she wouldn’t have treated herself!
19. Show How She Shaped You
Did your mother make you a better parent? Did she make a better person? Tell her! We know it’s difficult, but expressing those thoughts is the ultimate gift—they show how much you care and remind her that, despite her fears, she did a great job raising you.
20. Treat Her to Dinner
If a weekend away isn’t in the cards, dinner together certainly is. Treat her to a place you know she loves and spend some one-on-one time together. You both deserve a night on the town anyway!
