Mother’s Day is often just as important for the mother as it is for the children. Doing something for someone who has made an impact in their lives often times provides children with a positive experience that is both memorable and character-building.
Dr. Post Senning talks about special holidays, explaining that, “The kids shouldn’t be the ones solving the problem about what we do for different holidays.” Be sure to prepare something special in advance that your child can do for the mother in their life. American Greetings, Hallmark, and other e-greeting card sites such as 123Greetings offer a number of both print and e-greeting options that are either free or will fit into any budget. E-greetings such as these are a great option for families who are separated by distance.
Hand-made cards and crafts are also a cherished gift and can be hand-delivered (giving the mother precious time with her children) or sent via traditional mail. Preparing home-made, unique tokens of affection such as these will give you and your child the opportunity for quality time while bringing your family unit closer together. If you need a boost of inspiration, there are a number of useful suggestions on websites like Mother’s Day Central or Crafts Kaboose on crafts and other projects.
With today’s ability to create home videos quickly and easily, take a tip from Adam, Sam, and Jonah’s father and record personalized messages to ensure a more sincere and heartfelt Mother’s Day.
If the mother is not present in the children’s lives Mother’s Day can be particularly difficult. One tip is not to force your children to talk about their absent mother. That being said, be sure to give them the opportunity to discuss their feelings and then follow their lead. When the subject does come up, help them not to feel ashamed or afraid that there’s something wrong with them. “The most important thing is to tell your child it’s not their fault and remind them that the best thing she ever did was help them come to this planet. Even when they’ve failed us miserably, most people are doing the best they can with the resources they have,” says Carolyn Ellis, author of the New York Times bestseller: Thrive After Divorce.
Even if the children lack a close relationship with a traditional mother figure, there are many ways to still make this day a positive experience for the entire family. You can make the day special by celebrating other mothers surrounding the child, such as a grandmother, a close aunt, or a stepmother. A number of online companies such as Blue Mountian offer special e-cards for these important non-traditional mothers. A small gesture will go a long way toward these people who are often times integral to a child’s upbringing.
Attorney Jeffrey Feulner and the Men’s Divorce Law Firm hope that your Mother’s Day is filled with joy, laughter and love. Too many times when a family has been separated this day becomes a reminder of a parent’s failure or loss. If you are a father, it may be difficult to look beyond your disagreements and past frustrations with the mother of your children. You may not love her anymore, but your children certainly do and will love you all the more for making it easy for them to show her that. Hopefully, when it comes to Fathers Day, she will remember and respect your efforts and help your children to do the same for you.
