Mothers are the heart and soul of a family. They carried you for nine months, endured hours of gruelling labour, and brought you into this world. Then, they raised you from birth to adulthood. Most of us are guilty of only celebrating our mums on their birthdays and Mother’s Day. But you should be celebrating your mum every day, even in the smallest of ways. Here’s how to honour their sacrifice, devotion and love:
Wish Her a Good Morning
It seems like such a small thing, but mothers usually don’t ask for much. Sometimes all they want is to be seen and appreciated, even if it’s with simple words. A morning greeting and a wish good night is sometimes all they need. It’s a form of acknowledgement and respect. Even if you’re living far away from your parents, always find the time to wish them good morning. This will usually lead to small talk, which is always a good way to bond.
Figure Out Her Love Language
We each have different love languages—it’s how we show affection to our spouses, children, parents and friends. Your mum may not always say “I love you” all the time, but if you notice she’ll express her love in other ways. Like always cooking you lunch, or washing your clothes, or cleaning your room. Or buying little gifts for you from time to time. Sometimes she may ask you how your day was. So once you find your mother’s love language, make sure to take note of it. How she expresses her love to others is also usually how she’d like others to express theirs for her.
Give Her a Hug
If your mother’s love language is hugging, then embrace them any chance you get. But even if it isn’t, it’s always a good idea to hold them in your arms every once in a while. Due to generational differences and upbringings, hugging may not be a common expression of love. Your parents may only reserve it for special occasions. But never underestimate the power of embrace. It can keep you healthy and even ward off illnesses. So, perhaps it’s time to change the family custom and make hugging a regular thing.
Help Her with Chores
If you have some time after work, or during the weekend, don’t forget to lend your mother a hand with the housework. Nothing says ‘love’ like shouldering someone else’s domestic duties. Maintaining order and cleanliness in a home is a full-time responsibility. Especially if you’re retired and don’t have housekeeping services. If your mum has already reached a certain age, she may not have the strength to maintain the house as diligently as before. So, taking on some of those responsibilities is definitely a good way to show her you love her.
Give Her a Massage
Older individuals tend to suffer many aches and pains; it’s something we all will eventually go through. This natural result of aging is exacerbated with rigorous activity, like standing for long hours. So if your mum has been cleaning the house, cooking or gardening, be sure to reward her with a foot or shoulder massage. Don’t hesitate to offer your services even when she hasn’t been doing any chores. Physical touch has been known to promote bonding in families. It’s also a good idea not to refuse if your mum is asking for a massage.
Compliment Her Outfit
Always compliment your mum’s outfit. However, this advice is definitely on a case-by-case basis. You might sound a bit sarcastic or come across as insincere if you complimented your mum’s tatty house kaftan. So, compliment her when she’s going out on a date with your dad, or to some special occasion. Acknowledge how good she looks. And if she’s asking you for fashion advice, don’t hesitate to suggest some things. Be mindful not to criticise her current style though. Kindly offer your ideas when asked, but do not impose them on her. This also applies when you take her out for shopping or on a girl’s night out.
Take Your Mum Out on a Date
As mentioned previously, a shopping spree or a girl’s night out may be what you mum needs every once in a while. You don’t have to take her our every day, of course, or even every week. It can be like an occasional, monthly bonding ritual you both can do together. Make sure to switch it up every now and then too, just to keep things interesting. Don’t hesitate to make it a family occasion either. As we all continue to grow, we may have fewer chances of spending time with our mothers. So, don’t waste all that precious time.
Send Her a Funny Video
You may like scrolling on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok. Sometimes, you may come across a hilarious video. It can be anything from a comedy skit, to a funny animal captured on tape. If you find one such video, be sure to send it to your mum via WhatsApp. Of course, don’t bombard her with a video every two hours. Maybe once or twice every few days, unless she requests otherwise. Just to let her know that you’re thinking of her. Especially if you live somewhere far away. If the video made her laugh, then you will have made your mother’s day.
Cook Her a Dish
Your mum’s probably been cooking for you since you were young enough for solid food. So now that you’re all grown up, it’s time to repay the favour. You don’t have to make a 3-course gourmet meal, but you do have to cook lunch or dinner once in a while. So, the next time you want to fry something up, make something special for your mum. Something you know she’ll like. It can be a weekend thing as work may sometimes takes us a way from our loved ones during the week. So be sure to make use of your days off to truly bond with your mum.
Honour Your Mother Every Day
As we age, we get fewer and fewer chances to take care of our mums. To truly appreciate and shower them with love the way they did for us when we were young. There may come a day when you won’t get the opportunity anymore. Time doesn’t stop just because you suddenly have a career and your own family to take care of. Always strive to include your mum in your life, and not as an extracurricular activity or side project. She is likely always there in times of your successes and failures—every step of the way. So, honour and cherish your mums every day and not just on Mother’s Day, you only get one in this lifetime.
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