5 Ways to Show Mom You Care on Mother's Day

This Mother's Day, don't just buy Mom a gift. Show her how you truly feel by expressing your love and appreciation in a way that fits her style. Dr. Gary Chapman, the author of the book The Five Love Languages, finds that we all have our own style, or language of love. Some people need to hear words of appreciation to feel loved, while others feel more loved by quality time. When you select a gift, or token of appreciation, with your Mother's style in mind, you are sure to find a gift that pleases. Here are some suggestions for each of the five styles:

1. Words of Affirmation
While I love you may be the first words of affirmation that come to mind, these are certainly not the only ones. Compliments, appreciation, thanks for deeds done or gifts received all work. The important thing is to be specific and not to use vague generalizations. When using words of affirmation to thank someone for a gift, be sure to include some acknowledgement of the cost to the other person and the value to you. A letter can be a powerful way to show your mother appreciation for you and your Mom.

2. Quality Time
Quality time is giving someone your undivided attention. It could be something as simple as sharing a conversation, or doing something you both enjoy together. Quality time is not watching TV or movies together because the screen is the focus of attention, not Mom. Remember, do what Mom enjoys on her special day.

3. Receiving Gifts
From flowers to fancy diners, gifts are the customary way to show appreciation on Mother's Day. The most important factor is a visible reminder of love, not so much the cost of the gift. In times of crisis or of loneliness, physical presence is a powerful gift.

4. Acts of Service
Acts of service are those things we do to take care of the people we love. Take over Mom's chores like cooking or cleaning to show your love or do something for her she can not do herself like fixing the car or cleaning the gutters. Many of the loving acts traditionally performed by Mothers are acts of service.

5. Physical Touch
Physical touch is important to all human beings. A hug, holding hands, or massaging sore muscles and joints are all examples of a loving physical touch. Remember older people need to be touched as much as young people.

Most Mothers are adept at recognizing love from their children no matter what age and what form it takes. But, when you take the time to understand your Mother's love language and express your love and appreciation her way, you send a powerful message. When determining your mother's primary love language, think about the ways that she tends to show support to others most. If Mom is always cooking something special in the kitchen, then acts of service may be most important to her. If she is always giving you verbal encouragement, perhaps words of affirmation are important.

Which ever method you choose, it is important to show your mother appreciation. You will find that thoughtful and heartfelt appreciation is always a present that will please- the perfect Mother's Day Gift.
And if you have a Grandmother that you'd like to honor as well, you might like this post: Remembering Grandmothers on Mother's Day