As the world’s unpaid spokesperson for the sacred holiday that is “Mothers Day” it’s my firm belief that this is the day that we moms get absolutely spoiled by our husbands. Our kids didn’t choose to be born, nay, it’s the father of our kids who opted in on this “family experience” with us and who benefit every day from the hard work that we do to help support and raise the kids (and yes, the same goes for Fathers day). It’s hard to properly see what we do as parents both for each other and our kids every day, but trust me, the mother of your kids is busting her bum year-round and probably needs to feel like she is doing a damn good job. So this, folks, this is her/our day.
First, the back story (skip ahead if you just want some ideas on how to make her feel special).
Three years ago (when we had our first kid) we started the tradition of planning the perfect day for each other and while I had to give Brian a little bit of help as to what that meant (which he was happy to receive) we’ve honed it in, and now he knows what to do and how to do it – which makes him feel really good. Win, win.
Everyone’s perfect day is different but for me it starts with going to the flea market with my best friend/s (also moms) then a big picnic in the park with the husbands and kids (where they bring delicious gourmet salads, cheese and prosecco, blankets, activities for the kids, etc) and then spa treatments, finished with a family dinner that he’s arranged and taken care of. The key for me is that I get to hang out with my kids a bit but I don’t have to do any real parenting. It’s a day off diaper changing, cooking, cleaning, putting them to bed, even disciplining. If I didn’t work so much during the week I would probably want the full day off from the kids, but I don’t see them enough, so this is what I want. Brian plans everything (he asks me what I want to do) and it means the world to me. That picnic is amazing because I get to hang out with my family and squeeze my kids but then ‘peace out’ to the spa for a couple hours (in an uber … I HATE driving so there is no driving for me on this day).
Now, I know that 90% of you are women and that there aren’t a bunch of dads reading this, but if your guy needs help in the ‘what to do for mothers day’ department here is a post for him (so feel free to share it and tag them on facebook).
Dear Dads,
The key to mothers day is simple: It’s really all about taking the reins of parenting from the second you get up and then showing effort in planning and executing something really special. We (moms) don’t really care about the exact food or how instagrammable the picnic blanket is, but it sure doesn’t hurt when it looks like you put real thought into us and the day.
And men, nothing will get you laid faster than making us feel really, really special, loved and relaxed.
So to help you in advance of this sacred day, I’ve pulled together three different activities that can be recreated or at least that could spark some ideas – and they don’t have to cost a lot of money either.
First up, the old ‘Breakfast In Bed’ option. No one dislikes breakfast in bed. No one.
Pink Plate | Ceramic Heart Bowl | “Queen For A Day” Card | Linen Robe | Cozy Socks | Linen Robe | Wooden Tray | Gold Flatware | Blue Buffalo Check Napkin | Pink Glass | Coffee Mug
Now, my expectations for breakfast in bed are low (eggs and toast are cool with me) but if Brian pulled together the above, I’d feel really special. Since we normally have a picnic I don’t expect anything fancy for breakfast but if breakfast is your jam, then having it look nice and thoughtful is a lovely touch (I love that heart bowl). And guys, once you buy this for one year you re-use it every year! It’s not like it has to be a different pin-worthy breakfast that you have to buy every time. Also I love Food 52’s recipes (never made them but they sure look good) so if you need recipe inspiration to go along with this little setup then you can pick a few out here.
Up next – my jam. The post-flea market, pre-spa friend/family picnic – executed completely by you.
Picnic Blanket | Yellow Tassel Pillow | Pink Pillow | Blue Shag Pillow | White Wine | Copper Wine Key | Plastic Wine Glass | Bluetooth Speaker | Picnic Basket | Jute Floor Cushion | Disposable Camera | Bamboo Flatware | Paper Plate | Napkin
Obviously you don’t need to buy any of the above, but if you want to just blow it out of the park (literally) then having a cute basket, pillows, paper plates, etc, does tell us that you’ve been thinking about us. If you need help in the food department go to Whole Foods and get an assortment of their special pre-made salads. Or obviously making your wife’s favorite meal ahead of time would be amazing, and make them feel extremely special.
And guys, speaking of time, plan ahead. I know you think that you can throw it together that morning but if you do it in advance you’ll be scrambling less and it will feel/look more thoughtful. Thought and effort is the key to making us feel special. We even included a little disposable camera in here so that your kids or you can candidly take some pics throughout the day and then get them developed a week later to let the moms relive that special day all together.
If neither of those activities appeal to you or if you are into spoiling her all day, then finish the day with a movie night curated just for her.
Pajamas | Slippers | Mast Chocolate | Red Wine | Wine Glass | Blue Tassel Pillow | Throw Blanket | Cream Fringe Pillow | Bean Bag | Blue Chambray Pillow | White Faux Fur Pillow | Pomegranate Pistachios | Bark Thins | Dried Mango | Jenni’s Ice Cream | Popcorn Holder
This is more about cuddling, relaxing and indulging in some chocolates, salty popcorn or wine while watching The Notebook. Rubbing of her feet is highly recommended and while it might feel weird to buy her pajamas, I think it would be super sweet and thoughtful if you did – something for her, not just for you (this isn’t the time to buy her that uncomfortable teddy you’ve fantasized about).
Most importantly: the best gift you can give any mom you know is to make her feel like the best mom on the planet by telling her just that every single day, and teaching your kids to value the job of parenting as much as any job outside of the home. Notice what she does all day for you and your kids, and thank her and teach your kids to do the same by showing appreciation in front of them. The days that Brian does this are simply better days than the days when he forgets.
Because lets face it, for many of us (and I know from our survey that 70% of you are working moms) it should be mothers day at least once a week 🙂
If you guys have any other great ideas for dads to help spoil their wives, leave it in the comments 🙂
