What To Do For Mother's Day?

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day is a special time to be able to show your appreciation for the person who gave you life. (That is what I frequently remind my children, in case they were to forget.) 

There are many traditional ways to spend Mother’s Day with family such as a homemade breakfast in bed, brunch at a local restaurant or lovely bouquet of flowers. All are thoughtful gifts. 

Sometimes children aren’t really involved in the Mother’s Day gift giving process. They become passive recipients. Here are a few ideas to get everyone involved. 

1) Go for a nature walk and search for flowers on the trail. Create a “no-pick” bouquet by taking photos or drawing pictures of what was seen. Identify the flowers and trees and put it all in a memory book that will last forever. 
2) Ask your mother or grandmother what her favorite game was growing up and ask her to share. Perhaps everyone will learn a new game. 
3) Have children bridge the generation gap by asking Grandma or Great-Grandma what type of music she listened to when she was younger and share. Maybe learn a new dance that was popular when she was young. 
4) When was Grandma born? What was happening around the world when she was the same age as her grandchildren? Did she have an icebox or “Frigidaire?” Did she wear bellbottoms or a feather boa? Print out some pictures of popular items from her youth to connect children to an older generation.  

 Single mothers, don’t forget to treat yourself on Mother’s Day. If there is no one in your life to remind the kids of your special day, please take a moment and let your kids shine. Don’t be shy. Ask your children to make you a card or help with some household tasks. It will make your day easier and make them feel important. 

However you choose to spend your day, I hope you are able to have a relaxing time with family. 

© Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities™ guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time™, which is available online or bookstores/museums/sporting good stores. Diane is currently working on the third guidebook in the four-book series of Adirondack Family Activities™.

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