Have you ever stuffed up on this day? Got the wrong present? Forgotten breakfast in bed? Or even forgotten the day completely?
Ouch.
Last year I forgot. Dad called at midday and reminded me, I felt horrible. I dashed off to the shops, picked a gift and a card. Sure enough I stuffed up again. I chose a ‘practical’ gift (a new kettle and toaster – because that’s what she said she needed!) and accidentally bought a ‘thank you’ card (apparently not good enough).
It’s time to impress the socks off your mother (and/or wife). It’s very easy to get it wrong on Mother’s Day – but the following dos and don’ts should steer you clear of disaster.
DON’T: Miss it.
DO: Get mum a present.
DON’T: Leave it until 9pm Saturday night.
DO: Let her sleep in and do breakfast in bed.
DON’T: Leave the kitchen looking like a bombsite for her to clean up afterwards.
DON’T: Buy her a doormat, iron, oven gloves, tea towel, kettle, steriliser – you get the idea.
DO: Bring her a thoughtful present, maybe something homemade
DON’T: Make a huge gourmet breakfast and then spend the rest of the day sleeping on the couch. Mother’s Day isn’t over after breakfast.
DO: Pace yourself – be nice all day.
DO: Get a card for YOUR own mother.
DON’T: Say to your wife “but you’re not my mother” when she is the one who bought the card, held it in front of you to sign, and then posted it to YOUR mother.
DO: Get the kids involved.
DON’T: Put them in charge – if the pre-schooler would like to prepare breakfast – it’s up to you to be sure it’s edible.
Finally…
DON’T: Pay any attention when your wife says “Oh, just get the children to make me something.”
DO: Get the children to make her something, and then get your credit card out and get yourself down to (insert wife’s favourite shop).
Mother’s Day is no time to be a tight arts master.
Best of luck!
