The little ones eventually grow older and the demands on mom change with their stretching bodies. Once the children are in school mom becomes a chauffeur for playdates, extracurricular activities and trips to the mall. Now she is homework advisor and emotional sounding board as her children navigate the stormy waters of cliques in grade school and dating in later years. Of course this mom is also still involved with keeping the household from becoming a sea of papers, athletic shoes and dirty laundry. She is still cooking most of the meals and making sure her children aren't subsisting on potato chips, soft drinks and chocolate chip cookies (even if that's all she has time to eat all day!)
What would this mom like for Mother's Day? Here are some of my observations along with advice from a seasoned mom of school kids. This mom would love a day off from carpooling and everyone else's activities. To be included in an activity with her older children, not just left behind with a quick wave and a slam of the car door would be appreciated.
But let me turn you over to my dear friend Cristina, mother of two teenagers and a grade-schooler.
"For Mother's Day, a day off from driving would be great. But so would seeing the kids make their beds, put away their wash and clean up the bathroom without having to ask. Best of all and hardest of all, I'd like to see them stop bickering with each other. A few other niceties would be coming to the table on the first call, keeping the music volume lowered, answering the phone (the call is usually for one of them anyway), kissing me goodnight or offering a hug more often."
Phew! Look what I have to look forward to. I think I'll enjoy those little sticky hands all over me a little more now.
If you're looking to purchase a gift for this mom, buy tickets to something she would enjoy and go with her. It could be a musical, the ballet, the opera, a rock concert or even the movies. Take her out to a high tea. Purchase CD's of relaxing music that she can enjoy because the kids have taken a break from their loud music on her day.
In the meantime, here's an Italian-inspired lunch menu that teenagers should be able to prepare (with a little paternal supervision) for their under-appreciated mom.
Olive Garden Style Pasta Salad with Broccoli
A Glass of Red Wine
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