Written by: Beri Gebrehiwot

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! My how this year is flying! If anyone deserves extra TLC, extra appreciation, extra recognition and a trophy for wearing all the hats during a global pandemic (that is still ongoing), it’s you, Mama.

One of the sweetest things about being a mom, is the reward of being the world to our little humans (even our not so little ones). We often judge ourselves based on the standards of what we see portrayed in the world, i.e social media (thanks to the perfectly curated boxes of perfect mommy-and-me photos, the perfectly clean homes, the thought out crafts and activities, the perfect family vacation photos, etc.). Whatever your measure of standard is, or has been lately, it’s completely off. It is nowhere near the standard of what your little humans use to measure their love and appreciation for you. Their influence is not tainted by outside influences (yet), and what they see in you is perfect for them. YOU are exactly what they need and want, Mama. Isn’t that sweet?

This fills me with so much hope. It reminds me to be more gentle with myself. To give myself more grace. And to show up as I am daily, because that is all they need.

I want my children to see and feel my Joy. How else will they measure how I’m doing, how they’re doing and what a healthy relationship should look like? I understand we all have tough seasons, but even in those seasons, they look to us for a measure of “how things are going.”

My kids help me to recalibrate DAILY. They remind me that no matter how tough things are, the most important things in life are in order, and we can find JOY in those things.

Look, Mama- this has been one of the most challenging seasons for the entire world at once, and we (moms) have had to show up and wear more hats than usual, with schools and childcare closing. But we persevered. Because that’s what we always do. We do what needs to be done. This new load isn’t necessarily new, but it is definitely exaggerated, and it has been devastating for many families.

I am certain, however, that even in the midst of this hardship- our little humans see our best qualities. They see light in us, and they give us tremendous grace day in and day out.

This activity is a great way to help us recalibrate and focus on the things that really matter. Our kids help us do just that! Find a few minutes in your day to sit with each child individually and ask them the following questions (feel free to add some more fun questions of your own!):

• What is Mom's first and last name?

• How old is Mom?

• What is Mom's favorite color?

• What is Mom's favorite food?

• What makes Mom really happy?

• What is Mom really good at?

• How do you know Mom loves you?

• What is your favorite dish that Mom makes?

• What is your favorite thing to do with Mom?

• What do you want to tell Mom on this special day, Mother's Day?

Click image above to download the printable activity. This is a great idea, if you’d like to ask your older kids to fill it out on their own!

P.S. if you’re a dad reading this, print this out to complete with your kids and present on Mother’s Day! ;)

If you did this activity with your kids, Please share their responses with us! We’d love to hear them. I will be sharing mine on our private Facebook group and Instagram page during the week of Mother’s Day! I may even record it! Stay tuned.