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Mother's
Day: What mom really wants
by Nancy Price
Dads:
put away your checkbooks. Kids: keep the change. What mom
really wants for Mother's Day is one of those things that money just
can't buy: the gift of time.
Whether
it's spent alone or with the family, moms across the country and
around the world named time as their number one "must
have," according to a recent survey by Myria.com, an online
magazine for mothers.
"All I want for Mother's Day is a little time off," says
Karen in San Antonio, Texas*. "I am at everyone's beck and
call. I want time for me." Adds Lisbeth from Raleigh, North
Carolina, "I want to be able to take a bubble bath and get both
legs shaved before my child needs something. I want to go shopping
alone. I want to watch an entire sitcom episode without
interruption."
But time alone isn't all mom wants. Many women crave some quality
moments with the family. Says Colorado mom Dana, "This will be
my first Mother's Day ever, so I want it to be special. I would just
like to spend the day at the park with my husband and
seven-month-old daughter and have a picnic." Gina in California
echoes this popular sentiment. "What I really want for Mother's
Day is just some quiet time with my husband and daughters. No work,
no running to relatives or friends houses, no classes; just the four
of us." Tee wants to "spend the day with my family,
enjoying the three blessings I have been given."
What didn't rate highly on the list? Flowers, chocolates, jewelry
and clothes -- all traditional gifts for mom. Terri, a mother from
Chicago, says, "My husband tends to buy things, but I would
like something that took a little more effort."
While a bouquet or a box of candy may be easier, today's busy mom
needs love, peace and understanding -- and don't underestimate the
value of understanding. Notes Gail from Newfoundland, Canada,
"What I'd really like to get for Mother's Day is a little
recognition for even some of the stuff I do." Tessy in
Glenside, Pennsylvania, agrees that the perfect gift would be
"just to be appreciated by my husband for being able to juggle
a full-time job, and then go home to a full-time job of being a
mother to a beautiful 11-month-old daughter and being a wife."
So what can the thoughtful family do for mom to show gratitude? The
moms at Myria have these ideas to suggest: Say thanks. Give her a
hug. Send her a card. Let her take a nap in peace. Make her dinner.
Write her a love letter. And don't forget about some good
old-fashioned tender loving care. Several moms mentioned their
desire for bubble baths, massages, facials, manicures, makeovers and
other spa treatments. "I would love to feel pampered,"
sighs New Yorker Tracy.
Whatever
you give, if it's from the heart -- and coupled with a moment of
peace and quiet -- she's sure to be delighted. "No matter what
the day brings," says Barbara, a mom in Shreveport, Louisiana,
"Kix in bed, complete with a weed bouquet, a tissue paper
flower card, maybe even a picnic... recognizing and being thankful
for the small things is the best way that I know to spend Mother's
Day."
The full survey results, as well as other Mother's Day features and
articles, can be found online at Myria at www.myria.com/mothersday.
* Some
names and identifying details have been changed
Related
Articles:
Great
Gift Ideas for Mom!
Main Street Mom has made it easier than ever to
shop for your Mom. Don't bother packing the diaper bag or
worrying about a parking spot. Enjoy!
A
Gift of Breakfast for Mom
Mother's Day is almost here and what better gift for Mom, then a
relaxing breakfast to start the day! The key to a fun, easy
surprise is to keep it simple and pretty.
Anna
Jarvis - the Founder of Mother's Day
"A printed card means nothing
except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has
done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a
box to Mother - and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty
sentiment."
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