Do your best, but also do better. (Jon Tyson/Unsplash)
Every May (I’m relatively sure it’s May) we take a Sunday to honor our mothers and let them know just how much they have done for us. The thing we have to remember is to also actually give them the day off from doing stuff for us. The key is make Mother’s Day a celebration of her hard work and sacrifice instead of a demonstration of it. Here are a few tips to keep you from ruining your mother’s special day.
DO NOT… Act like she’s your mother
She is your mother and of course you take the day to acknowledge and honor that, but that should be where her motherhood functions end today. You have to pretend that she is incapacitated for the day, and you will have to do all the menial tasks she has done each and every day of your life.
You're a lot. Just acknowledge that. (Leah Hetteberg/Unsplash)
DO NOT… Fail to do your research
You have no idea what those menial tasks are. You are constantly taking her for granted, so you can’t just decide day-of that you are going to take care of all the things she would normally do. First, spend the week before Mother’s Day watching her and noticing the things she does. Take notes because while your gift is nice, watching you vacuum between the couch cushions will be the thing she’ll tell her friends about.
This is the gift she will remember most. (Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash)
DO NOT… Assume she wants breakfast in bed
Let’s face it, once you do your research, you will notice how she has to wipe down the entire kitchen after everybody eats breakfast, so what would make you think she wants that chaos in her bed? Nobody wants to treat bedsheets for syrup stains. Bring her a coffee in bed if that’s how she starts her day, but if you’re not sure, just bring her a flower and a card.
DO NOT… Be yourself
She loves yourself more than even you love yourself. But today, be the you she wishes would clean up after yourself and make better decisions for yourself. Be the yourself that asks her questions and doesn’t remind her that you’ve already heard this story. She loves you, but you’re a lot. Give her a break from that for a day.
Your mom loves you and thinks you’re a great kid. But let’s be honest, she’s also excited for you to move out. Until that happens, just give her a Mother’s Day that lets her know you’re at least aware you could do better.
Good luck… to both of you.
