The role men play on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day may be a day for honoring women. But men, you play a unique and vital role. Especially if you have children, Mother’s Day gives you an opportunity to teach your kids about love, devotion and relationship.
Most dads don’t realize it, but you’re instructing your children 24/7. You’re a human TV screen that they watch full time to learn basic lessons about life. You show them everything about being a man, and about how men relate to women.
Are you polite, tender and adoring to the kids’ mom? They notice what you’re doing. Are you bitter, angry or inconsiderate to her? Yep, they see that, too.
Both your sons and your daughters are equally impacted. Boys learn how to handle women. They glean manners and respect as if by osmosis. They witness female behavior within the family and are subliminally trained how to respond in each situation.
Girls find out how men will treat them. A daughter whose father adores her will most likely select men who feel the same way. A girl whose dad is aloof or absent is apt to pick guys who are emotionally distant.
That’s why your attitude toward Mother’s Day matters. It’s not just about the perfume you buy her or the scrambled eggs you and the kids bring her in bed. Rather, it’s the subconscious seed you’re implanting in their brains that determines who your little ones are.
If you live with the children’s mother, the job is easy. Assume an enthusiastic, ringleader role and enlist the children in making Mother’s Day plans.
All offspring — regardless of age or address — can participate in the process. Babies can sign homemade cards by proxy. Grown kids can call or invite Mom out to brunch.
Things get more complicated when there are two households involved. It may seem disingenuous to help your kids plan something for your ex. It may even appear disloyal if you’re now married to someone else. Still, your kids only have one mother. In that capacity, she deserves the best.
Always be polite and cordial. Treat her as the important woman she is to you and the kids. Encourage the children to do something special. Your efforts will pay big dividends.
Remember, they’re learning from you.
WHAT MEN CAN DO TO MAKE MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL
Men, help your kids honor Mom with these ideas:
Plan and prepare a special meal. Treat Mom to a breakfast in bed. Or take her on a picnic that you and the kids pack. Simple meals keep chaos to a minimum. Always make sure that the kitchen is clean afterward.
Give Mom a break. Assign kids age-appropriate tasks to perform (with your supervision) so that Mom can have quiet time to herself.
Orchestrate the purchase of a special gift. Whether you’re buying Mom a spa day or a new birdhouse, include kids in the process. They’ll love the secretive planning. They’ll be eager to see her pleased.
Take kids shopping. Discuss what’s appropriate to buy for Mommy so that she doesn’t get a Vtech Kidizoom Camera. Allot each child a small amount of money so they’re able to make purchases on their own.
Buy flowers. Enlist kids’ input as you select a bouquet you all think Mom will like. If money’s tight, cut flowers and small branches from the yard, then tie them with a pretty bow.
Make reservations. Sometimes the best gift is dinner away from home. You may want a place that’s kid-friendly. Or you may choose to treat her to adults-only fare. In this case, pre-arrange for the baby sitter so it’s especially relaxing for Mom.
Say “I love you!” Show Mom that you love her. Encourage your kids to follow suit. Everyone in the household will benefit from the terrific example you set.
If your children don’t live with you:
Talk with them about the importance of honoring their mother. Suggest things they can do for her. Follow-up on their progress as the date draws near.
Take them shopping. Use your regular time together or select an additional time to hit the mall. Either way, commit yourself to the process of honoring their mom.