Jill A. Chafin
Mother’s Day is a great reminder to slow down and indulge in some much-needed self-care. It’s never too early to teach your kids how to spoil you, at least for a day.
Mothers should have time off on a regular basis. In fact, experts stress the importance of incorporating self-care to balance parenting duties. However, the reality is that mothers easily put their children’s needs above their own. In the end, you might feel overworked, neglected, or completely wiped out.
So, it’s totally okay to encourage your kids and your partner to focus completely on you for a day. Soak it up—you deserve it.
Extra Sleep
Most exhausted mothers will agree that getting in some extra snooze time makes one heck of a gift.
How do you make it happen?
Well, we suggest starting the night before by getting to bed early. Invest in a pair of sturdy earplugs. Then, have a plan for the morning that hopefully involves someone else taking the kids out so you can sleep as long as you want.
If breakfast in bed is on the agenda, make sure to agree on a time that allows for an adequate sleep-in. Or, skip breakfast, and request lunch in bed instead.
A Big Breakfast
If you love breakfast, then get your kids to go all out: pancakes, waffles, crepes, bacon, freshly squeezed juice—you name it. If your kids don’t know how to cook, now’s the time to get them started (with adult supervision, of course).
You can totally do breakfast in bed, if that’s your thing. I prefer to show up at the table with a full spread in front of me. Do whatever makes you happiest!
But the ultimate gift here is having a break from dealing with the dishes. Imagine this: showing up to a feast, chowing down, and then simply walking away. Bliss!
A Coupon Book
A coupon book is the perfect gift to spread out the generosity of Mother’s Day, and make it last all year. Kids can make one by themselves, or select a ready-made design, like this super mom coupon book.
The coupons should include anything that offers you a break or brings you joy, such as your kids doing extra chores, pampering you, or a family-fun activity. Make sure the coupon book doesn’t have an expiration date—you never know when you’ll need some extra time off in the future.
Here are some ideas of what to include in the coupon book:
- Dishes: All kids should be helping with dishes on a regular basis. However, this coupon can offer help with anything beyond their usual duties.
- Laundry: Yes, kids can do laundry! Don’t believe us? In this video, a savvy 8-year-old instructs college students on how to do laundry (go kid!).
- Cleaning: This can include cleaning rooms, bathrooms, washing the car, or any cleaning project you choose.
- Massage: This awesome kid offers a great tutorial on how to give a proper massage. Time to step it up, kids!
- Family game night: You get to choose the game, with no complaints from the kiddos.
- Home-cooked dinner: Time to get your children (especially your teen ) cooking!
Mom’s Chosen Activity
Go ahead and feel free to call the shots for the entire day. Remember, this is a once-a-year occurrence, so enjoy!
Perhaps your dream day is getting everyone to reorganize the entire garage. Or, maybe you want to pack a picnic basket and tote everyone off to the zoo.
Keep in mind, you don’t have to spend the whole day together for it to be meaningful. Dreaming of a full day lounging in your pj’s and binge-watching Netflix? See if Dad or another family member can tote the kids off somewhere, and give you some time to relax in hermit mode.
If it’s not possible for the kids to leave the house, hunker down in your bedroom—just don’t forget to lock the door! Even getting to pick out a movie or dessert is a real treat.
A Gift Basket
Even though flowers are a lovely gift, they don’t last very long. Instead, encourage your kids to select items you can use for weeks or months to come.
You can create a list of some much-desired items, and let your kids pick them out. They can order things online with the help of another adult.
Here are some great gift basket ideas:
- Snacks
- Chocolate
- Lotions
- Tea
- Slippers
- Socks
- Fancy soaps
- Bath bombs
- Lip balm
While some of the gift basket ideas are store-bought picks, there’s some room for DIY fun, like homemade bath bombs.
An At-Home Spa Day
Your kids can create a spa experience for you, right in the comfort of your home.
The level of professionalism will depend on your kids’ ages. Don’t expect a luxurious foot massage from your 2-year-old. And definitely be prepared if your kindergartener paints your toenails (we suggest doing it outside). But we’re sure your teen can give you a somewhat decent hairstyle!
We love these spa ideas:
- Bubble bath: Have them fill the tub, add the bubbles, and light the candles (all with adult supervision). They can even create a playlist for you.
- Pedicure and manicure: Don’t trust them with nail clippers? Keep it simple with just painting nails.
- Massage: This boy has some awesome tips on how to give a great massage. Your younger kids can start with a foot or hand massage.
- Hairstyling: Give your kids a comb, some clips, hair ties, and let them go at it.
Even though Mother’s Day might seem like another commercialized holiday, we say take advantage of it! There’s nothing wrong with being completely spoiled for a day. Definitely push for that coupon book, so you’ll get more spoiling in the months to come!
