Because ‘winging it‘ won’t cut it this time.
She may say, ‘Don’t make a fuss,’ but we all know better. Mother’s Day isn’t just another Sunday—it’s her day. A chance to show your family’s leading lady just how much she means to you. Whether she’s your partner in parenting or the glue holding everyone’s chaos together, this is your moment to step up and make her feel seen, appreciated and yes, a little spoiled.
No pressure, Dad. But if you’re staring at the calendar wondering how to pull this off without resorting to a last-minute supermarket bouquet, keep calm and carry on reading:
1. Let Her Sleep. Like, Really Sleep.
Let Mother’s Day be the one morning she doesn’t wake up to, “Mummy, where’s my… ?!” Take the early shift. Get the kids showered, dressed and fed. Play with them. Resist the urge to ask her where anything and everything is. If you can’t find something, look harder. This is her time to rest and breathe—let her have it, uninterrupted.
2. The Way to Her Heart Is Through Her Stomach
You don’t need mind-reading skills or telepathy; just ask. Start with: “What would make you feel loved today?” Some mums want a calm, quiet morning. Others would adore a noisy breakfast-in-bed ambush. Let her take the lead. This day isn’t about what you think Mother’s Day should look like—it’s about how she wants to spend it.
Just a heads-up that eating in bed is a big no-no for some mums. I’d much rather have a warm, thoughtfully prepared meal, cooked with love, waiting for me at our cosy little breakfast nook in the kitchen (hint!). Get the kids involved in making simple dishes like pancakes, scrambled eggs, or a cheerful fruit platter. Double the fun by preparing her favourite coffee, with extra marshmallows or a biscotti on the side. It’s those thoughtful little luxuries that make all the difference.
3. Plan It Like You Mean It
Handmade cards? Yes, please. Fingerprint art? Always a winner. But the secret ingredient? Planning. Even a simple Mummy Spa at home or a family picnic feels special when it’s been thought through.
Set up a mini home spa with face masks, hand massages, and foot soaks. Let the kids help by brushing Mum’s hair, applying lotion, or playing soothing music. For girl dads, a ‘Mummy and Me’ mani-pedi session can make for a sweet bonding moment.
Prefer the outdoors? Pack a cosy picnic in the garden or at the park for a relaxing afternoon. Let the kids help fill the basket and decorate the space. And while you’re at it, surprise her with that novel she’s been eyeing, along with her favourite snacks!
4. Do the Chores. All of Them. Quietly.
Nothing kills a pampering vibe like a pile of laundry whispering, “You’ll deal with me later.”
Not today. No. Today, you deal with it: the dishes, the clutter, the sticky floor, the mystery stain on the rug—yes, even Kitty’s litter tray. And empty the rubbish bin, if you haven’t already.
Give her a well-earned break from the mind-numbing, soul-sapping, utterly relentless domestic grind. Think of it as her love language; even if she’s never asked, trust us, she notices.
5. Gifts That Speak Her Language
Not all mums want flowers (though if she does, make sure it’s her favourite kind). Think experience over expense: a solo coffee run, a heartfelt note, an uninterrupted time to binge her drama series, or that little something she’s bookmarked ‘maybe’ on her wish list.
It doesn’t need to be flashy. Maybe it’s a new mug to replace her chipped, coffee-stained favourite. Look around—chances are, there’s something right under your nose she’s been meaning to replace. Thoughtful trumps pricey every time.
Make sure as well that it’s a gift or experience that resonates with her. Here are some fun ideas you could try:
- For outdoorsy mums, try taking her hiking, camping or stargazing—or let her enjoy some quiet me-time in the garden.
- Got a movie-loving mama in the mix? Snuggle up for a family movie night (and let her pick the programme)!
- If the main woman in your life is wanderlusting, go big by planning a weekend getaway or staycation for some proper quality time away from home (and the laundry).
6. Let Her Tap Out (Guilt-Free)
Give her a day pass, no questions asked. To scroll, nap, curl up in a reading nook and disappear into a book— whatever fills her cup. Let her remember what it feels like to just be, not constantly do.
This is her day, so remember to treat her like the queen she is.
7. Reflect, Celebrate, Repeat
End the day with a toast (juice counts), a cuddle, or a spontaneous family dance-off in the living room. Tell her what you see: how she handles meltdowns with grace, carries everyone’s worries, makes your house a home, and how the kids light up when she walks into the room.
Kiss her goodnight. Remind her that she’s not just appreciated — she’s cherished. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about intentional ones. The key is thoughtfulness, so remember to make her feel valued, seen and loved. And above all, say those three magic words: “I love you”.
It’s the very least you can offer the woman who’s given so much, so generously. Don’t assume she knows. Say it out loud. Those words carry more weight than you realise.
Good luck – and Happy Mother’s Day, #makchicmumsquad!
By Irni Juliana
Irni is an accidental scribe whose writing reflects her delightful, haphazard prose. When she’s not reading novels or solving Sudoku puzzles, she’s juggling a myriad of roles: giggle jester, snuggle bug, and seeker of toys that don’t exist. Ever the all-rounder, she’s constantly searching for magic in the mundane.
