By Kristin Fast, Lifestyle Editor and In-House Wit-Cracker
Forget the time old idea of Mom and apple pie… today's mother, as you surely know, is not only bringing home the bacon and frying it up in a pan, but also volunteering for the school carnival committee and getting to the gym 3 afternoons a week. She is a machine that can juggle separate schedules, knows your shoe size and together you share an irrational love for British Rom-coms. She is your mother and she is awesome.
Ann Taintor Another Day in ParadiseAnd one small day a year to acknowledge her awesomeness is not a lot to ask. It's not about how much you can spend (unless you are rich, in that case, crazy bank is an acceptable option) but more about taking the time to thank the person who drives carpool, makes dinner, fights in wars, works for the poor, or even bakes those apple pies…. whatever it is your mom does, we are sure she is amazing and she'll be happy and moved to tears to learn that you think so too.
The bottom line: there are no "wrong" gifts at Mother's Day. As long as what you give represents your mother. A stay at home mom might really love a new Dyson because it will lighten her load while a mom who works outside the home might really appreciate a week's worth of cooking or dinners out. Take a good look at the mom in your life and see what you can do to acknowledge that you see her as a person and appreciate what she does for you.
However, the closer Mother's Day looms, so grows our email load… it seems you saucy readers like yourselves a little What Not to Buy list and we understand: once the obvious no-nos are flagged, everything else is fair game and you can safely shop for your blessed mother with confidence. We've culled through our inbox for those letters which we think will best apply to the majority of our readers.
Dear Succulents,
My wife is pregnant with our first child - should I do something for her this coming Mother's Day
Signed,
Wondering in Wichita
Dear Wondering,
Yes. The perfect gift for the expectant mother is a Pregnancy Massage which you can do it yourself if you are cash strapped… the worst thing you can give your pregnant wife? Nothing. Nothing will, to a hormonally ravaged woman, scream that you are a selfish git who doesn't care about her or the baby. Trust me. You might be a the swellest fella in the world, but she will spend the day sobbing. If you don't believe me just go ahead and ask my husband.
Dear Succulents,
My wife and I have 3 kids but they're too young to shop for gifts - do I buy something for my wife even though she isn't my mother?
Confused in Cali
Dear Cali,
Take your children shopping at your local craft store. Michaels, (link has coupon!) for example, offers many cute crafts like photo frames, jewelry boxes and kits for personalizing everything under the sun. You pay for the supplies and your little ones make the gifts. Go the extra mile and have them get up early and make Mommy breakfast… you get to clean the kitchen.
Dear Succulents,
My mother is a successful 50 something year old lawyer while I am a struggling 3rd year law student; what can I give her that she can't already buy herself?
Legal in Louisiana
Dear Legal,
Yourself. If there is one thing that every mother wishes for it is time. When children are little mothers long for some time to themselves - moments for a bubble bath, dinner out with friends, a morning to sleep in. As children grow and become more independent, the wish becomes for more time with them. We yearn for those early morning snuggle sessions, those weekends spent playing in the backyard and those days when we were their world. If you are local, schedule a pedicure at a local salon and indulge in some good old fashioned gossip. Most salons offer incentives this time of year and you should be able to get the tootsies treated, with tip, for around $40. If a day at the local nail palace isn't your thing, try a nice walk followed by an early dinner. Something leisurely where neither of you feel rushed to "get back to business". Consider checking out coupon sites like Living Social or Groupon to see what deals are to be had in your neighborhood. If you aren't geographically close, how about a nice long chat? Email and schedule a time when neither of you will be interrupted, pour yourself a glass of wine, and have a gab-fest, preferably by Skype so she can see you.
Dear Succulents,
My partner and I have 2 teenagers and they are currently selfish and driving us both crazy. I will be surprised if either of them even remember Mother's Day. How do I get them to do something nice for their mom without force?
Annoyed in Alberta
Dear Annoyed,
Force them. Seriously. Teenagers are selfish but that is the nature of the beast and sometimes force is your best friend (now, not physical force mind you, I am talking about guilt and alarm clocks). Remind them of all their mother has done for them and tell them if they don't pick her a lovely bunch of wildflowers and make her a nice dinner, you'll cut off their W.O.W. account or hack their Facebook.
We hope the above helps and if we missed your email or your particular need wasn't addressed, comment here and we'll get to you ASAP.
Read more: http://www.thesucculentwife.com/#ixzz1KvjJpGT1
