Fatherhood²: Mother’s Day – Your 3 Week Warning

With just over 20 days to go until Mother’s Day, it seemed like a good time to send out an early reminder to all the dads out there who – like me – probably leave these things far too late most of the time. I’m not talking about your own mums of course – though remembering them is equally as important. No, I’m talking about the mother in your house.

(Note: I’m obviously directing this post to dads, and making some common assumptions – so please don’t be too offended if you don’t fall in to my over-generalised category here!)

Unless you’re blessed with the sort of creative genes that would make Kirstie Allsopp blush, you might need a few tips on how best to pamper the mother of your child(ren) on March 18th – so here are my Top 5 tips:

1. Card – As with most occasions these days, sorting out a Mothers Day card should be first on your list. If you’re rushed for time, get yourself down to the shops and pick a nice one. If you have a bit more time on your hands – ideally with the kids involved – why not get creative and make her a home-made card? Nothing says “Mummy I love you!” better than a card which her beloveds have made with their little, messy mits. Get on it!
2. Gift – In my humble opinion, a present shouldn’t be a necessity on a day like this, but if you haven’t got the time or the facilities to do some of the other suggestions listed below, make sure you buy her something nice. Chances are she probably gets you very thoughtful gifts on Father’s Day, so make sure you put some time in to picking something she’ll like.
3. Help – If you’re a modern dad with a flare for equality, you probably do your fair share of the work around the house and looking after the kids. If you’re not – and frankly, even if you are – chances are you can make a big impact on Mother’s Day by giving mummy a break. Mother’s Day is a Sunday, so make sure she can put her feet up and have some relaxation time, while you get on with doing all the stuff she probably usually takes care of.
4. Food – Mother’s Day is always on Sunday. So make sure you take charge of cooking a slap-up feast for the day. Making a roast is easy peasy (even I can do it!). If you’re a totally useless cook and opt for a meal out instead, make sure you book early – Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days for lunch-time restaurant bookings!
5. Love – I guess this should be a fairly easy one, but it’s worth stressing just in case it didn’t occur to you. Make sure mum is showered with love by her children all day long – it’s what the day is about after all!

So, those are my tips. Whether you go with a lovely personalised card or a full-on, slap-bang day to remember, make sure you start thinking about it now. Chances are, if you’re as busy as I am at this time of year, those three weeks will slip by far too fast…