APPRECIATING MOTHERS

Written by Caroline Meyer

Appreciate your own mother, but don’t forget the mother of your children. Yes, she was your partner and your lover first, but she is also the person that you now share an adorable little creation or two. You and she both have another person to love who may or may not be of an age to say thanks for all that you do. She has gone through a massive change in her body for 9 months, suffered through late nights, early mornings, screaming, illness, frustration and everything that goes with having a baby. It’s true in 99% of cases that mum takes on the most when it comes to carrying, birthing and taking care of a newborn. As the children grow, dad usually takes on a larger role, but mum is always there to comfort and love, not just the kids, but dad as well. 

In general, mums do this with an open heart and a minimum of complaining.  Take the time to show her just how much she means to you and how much you appreciate all that she does to make your house a home. You can do this for mum’s to be as well if you want to. You don’t really need a reason to show love to your partner. 

Tell her you love her. This is one you shouldn’t restrict.  Tell her every day, at least once a day.  Be a shoulder for her to lean on. Comfort her when she cries.  Be patient if she gets moody.  Especially for new mums, there are bound to be adjustments as hormones balance and there may be lots of tears. Be supportive and strong and just let her know that you are there for her and that you can get through anything together. 

Kisses and cuddles. There will be tons of kissing and cuddling with babies and kids, but don’t forget your partner. She deserves your affection. Give her plenty of affection and tell her how much you appreciate her.  Words are good, but deeds are better.  A massage or a foot rub to help her relax and unwind wound not go amiss. Take the time to let her know that you think she is beautiful. Even if she hasn’t slept well in days and her hair is in knots, let her know she is gorgeous to you, no matter what.  Be sincere though. You could offer to brush her hair if she looks like she’s heading for dreadlocks though. 

Tidy up! Mum takes on a lot when there are small children and especially babies in the home. Help around the home as much as you can when you can. The least you could do is tidy up a bit and wash the dishes. Clean up after yourself and urge the kids to do the same if they are old enough. Mum would love to wake up to a sparkling home and have a day with more relaxation and less laundry. You can make it happen!   

You can do something extra special such as a home cooked meal, some nice flowers or a potted plant. Taking some of the load off her and taking the time out to make her feel special is not much effort and it doesn’t cost a thing.  You can then rope the little ones into making some arts and crafts posters, hand painting or something fun to distract them for a while so mum can finally enjoy a bath in peace!