We know the whole world is focused on mother’s with Mother’s Day right around the corner, but this time of year isn’t just for thinking about how great — or not so great — your mom is. It’s also a time to think about how you treat your mother.
It’s not an exaggeration to say being a mother is one of the most selfless acts in the world. We do a number on our mothers during childhood and some of us keep on cutting up even as adults. Or, we get so busy with our own lives and maybe our own children that we forget to work on our relationship with our mom the same way we do our partners and friends. So this weekend, take some time to really think about the type of daughter you are, and consider adopting a few of these suggestions for being a better child to your mom throughout the rest of the year.
Call more
We know a call to our mom is never just a call, but sometimes she just wants you to check on her and let her know you’re thinking about her. We promise she won’t mind if you say just that and keep the call to a max of 5 minutes. Just knowing she was on your mind is all she needs.
Treat her
From the time we become a thing in our mother’s wombs the letting go of self begins. Most moms immediately put their needs on the backburner and few get out of that habit even once their kids are out of the house. Treat your mom to something she would never do for herself — a new hairdo, a massage, a weekend getaway. Make a way for her to do that thing she always says she wants to do but never does.
Help her
Like the last point, there is likely some way your mom is going about life right now that could be so much easier if you simply showed her a better way. Is she still writing checks instead of paying for things electronically? Could she use a cleaning service once a month to take the strain off her back or knees when dusting those hard to reach places? Don’t wait for your mom to ask for your help with these things because it will likely never happen. If you see a need, fix it.
Ask for her help
Moms still want to feel needed in some way once they’re empty nesters. We’re not saying you need to move back home and let her pay for your bills, we’re saying it’s a good idea to get her opinion on things sometimes. Call her when you’re unsure if what your baby is doing is normal, ask her what she thinks about a career move you’re considering making. Your mom wants to know her opinion is still valued.
Date her
Swap out brunch with the girls one weekend for lunch with mom; as a matter of fact, set up a regular lunch date for catching up and girl time. You know she’s going to complain that she never sees you otherwise.
Forgive her
No one has a perfect mother, but at some point you have to forgive your mom for everything she wasn’t and take responsibility for the personal choices that got you where you are. You don’t necessarily have to verbalize your forgiveness, just make a choice to let go of whatever resentment you’ve been holding on to all these years. If that bitterness has driven a rift between you and your mom, make a point to tell her you’re sorry and work on rebuilding your relationship.
Thank her
Sometimes your mom just needs to know she did a good job. And we know there are times when you do something spectacular and you directly correlate it with something your mom taught you years ago. Send her a text to let her know about that instance, drop a random card in the mail one day just to say thanks for all you’ve done. After all, one day a year is hardly enough observance for the woman who gave you life.
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