Make Mum Feel Marvellous This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day may be affected more than ever this year due to being careful about getting together with our Mums and family because of the Coronavirus.

But jumping on Skype, sending a heartfelt letter or Facetiming is still a way to say ‘I love you’ to your Mum.

Here are just some of my ideas for this year.

Mothering Sunday or ‘Mother’s Day’ is the annual celebration where children say ‘thank you’ to their mums for everything they have done, and given to their kids, and I’d just like to point out that real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids! – It’s not about being a ‘perfect parent’ – they only exist in Hollywood films starring Julia Roberts! ?

On my social media I have a #MagicMomentMonday to encourage parents to think positively about the small ‘magic moments’ that we often forget or overlook in all the hustle & bustle of family life. Mine came from the lovely weekend I had in Wales with my son and his girlfriend – meeting her family for the first time.

We watched Wales play rugby in the Six Nations – quite a noisy affair ? we ate bacon and egg baps with lashings of tomato sauce, we laughed, shouted at the telly and I felt surrounded by lovely, warm people & it was lovely to see how at ease my son was with his girlfriend’s family.

This got me thinking about how we build memories for our children, young or old.

The reason that weekend is so emotional for me is because I realised that we are all so busy chasing those big “Rainbow” moments that we often forget about the small, everyday shiny ones.

I started thinking about this concept years ago, when I read about how having an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ can really help your mental health and wellbeing.

Apart from writing in a Gratitude Journal have you ever thought of creating a Memory Jar?

Creating a Memory Jar is a really simple and fun way to notice the small, as well as the big, moments in your family life.

It’s a brilliant way to remember when your family have experienced a joyful moment together.

You can make them as gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s birthdays or Christmas.

Memories are Verbs.

There is action in memories.

We have to see something, hear something, notice something or do something for it feel like a true memory.

Here’s How To Make A Memory Jar

Choose a jar or box to hold your notes.

Find a jar of your choice and clean/empty it of other items.

Print, label, cut out and glue to the front of the jar your names and write a meaningful message.

Decorate it with ribbon, glitter, buttons or fabric to personalise it.

Find a comfortable place and fill out your post it notes with personalised memories.

When you are having a great time just make a mental note to drop it into your memory jar later. Your kids will remind you I bet!

You can pop in silly songs, funny stories, trips — big and little, far and near, special meals, playdates, things Grandma always says, milestones and achievements no matter how small, your traditions, picnics that were fun, games you play together, silly sayings, films you’ve loved watching ……

I particularly like these ideas for a Mother’s Day Jar

Funny Memories

These memories are for the times when you belly laughed to tears with your mum.

Here’s a few starters.

You made me laugh when _____

We belly laughed for hours that time ______

You told me a funny joke to cheer me up and _____

I was sick and you _____

You called me and we_____

You texted me this _____

You wrote me that card and I _____

I remember when you told me this joke _____

Sentimental Memories

These are the times your mum was there for you through the hard moments. She lifted you up when you were down:

I was having a hard day and you _____

You consoled me and _____

I was going through a tough breakup and you _____

I felt lonely and you _____

I had heard bad news and you _____

You taught me to never give up _____

You showed me there was light in darkness _____

I was upset and you _____

Early Memories

These are the memories you had growing up, and memories of the milestones that the two of you shared. From primary school, to your first day of college, these are the memories you will remember as she guided you into adulthood.

You taught me how to ride a bike and _____

I fell over and you _____

You came to all my sports games and _____

You surprised me with a gift _____

You used to make me lunch for school _____

You took me to my favourite shop and _____

You showed me how to bake _____

You dropped me off for college and _____

Heartfelt Memories

These are for the times when your mum showed you courage and kindness. They are the moments you shared and cherished, and the ones that have shaped you into the person you are today.

You showed me kindness when _____

You surprised me with hope by _____

You showed me how to be patient by _____

You made me feel strong when _____

You taught me to be brave by _____

You showed me how to love someone _____

You showed me old photos _____

You comforted me by _____

Other ideas

Compliment her – Tell your mum how grateful you are for all the things she does for you as you simply wouldn’t be here without her ?

Place sticky notes around the house (on the kettle, the remote control, TV, bedroom light switch by her bed, on the bathroom mirror etc) with special memories written on them like “Remember the time we laughed so hard when ……. ‘’

Card alternative – Rather than buy a greetings card why not write 20 things you love about her on small pieces of coloured card and put each of them in a special box for her.

Make breakfast – There’s something really wonderful about cooking your mum her favourite food for breakfast.

Serve it to her in bed on a special tray with a flower in a vase, and she’ll feel completely adored.

Cook Sunday Lunch – pop on some music, get out some board games & make sure everyone gets off their phones to CHAT, laugh & build family fun memories.

Plan a picnic – Rather than taking your mum for an expensive celebration lunch or dinner,  ( now we have Coronvirus problems) prepare a picnic as it’s far more imaginative.

Fill a hamper with all your mum’s favourite foods, lovely colourful napkins and specially thought out crockery and get your Dad to drive somewhere with a lovely scenic view.

You can make it a ‘car picnic’ if the weather isn’t good enough for sitting outside.

Pamper mum – Treat her to a facial or relaxing massage to help her relax and feel gorgeous. Busy mums rarely make time to do this for themselves but when others give it to them it’s always gratefully received ?

The idea is to make your mum feel appreciated & loved & not necessarily all about how expensive the gift is, it’s all about how valued you can make her feel.

I really hope this has inspired you & makes your Mum feel marvellous ?