4 Steps To Schedule the Mother's Day of Your Dreams
by Molly Gold, founder of GO MOM !NCBy nature, Moms put family first making sure all needs are met from celebrating triumphs to mending hearts. After 364 days of thinking about themselves before their Mom, how can we expect a family to miraculously think of us first? This Mother's Day, take an active role in preparing your family to celebrate on your behalf. Here are GO MOM!® tips for Moms create an awesome Mother's Day:
Ask For It - Mistake number one, expecting them to read your mind! If you'd like to make sure there would be an actual day of rest or a special event like dinner, let your family know exactly what you would like. Just as we encourage our kids to speak up, diplomatically and directly do the same. If time alone tops your list, then work with your partner to empty the house for four hours or more. If a pedicure is all you've ever wanted, make sure your partner knows the phone number and address of the nearest Nail Salon so that gift certificate can be purchased with time to spare. Recognize where your family might be logistically challenged and set the stage early to let them know what to do and how to get it done.
Holiday Management - Mistake number two, expecting them to fill your shoes! Mother's Day is a holiday like any other; only more special in our book for the honor we feel for being chosen to parent such miracles on earth. And we all know holidays require prep work from house to meals to gifts. If you have youngsters who favor homemade fare for gifts, offer a few suggestions for crafts to your partner and have the materials on hand for creative endeavors to evolve. Be sure to communicate the time involved and offer solutions for when these can be accomplished without your presence. If offering breakfast in bed is your family tradition, stock the fridge a few days before so the chefs can find exactly what they need to wake you up in style. If you have plans to have a house full or simply want a clean house for the day, enlist your little helping hands in cleaning the week before or dial the maid service so that all chores are out of the way and the fun can begin. Nothing like a well planned party to warm your home and fill your heart!
Partner Participation - Mistake number three, expecting anything! Lets face it…things never work out well if you assume that gifts are on hand or dinner is in the bag. How can you really expect your partner will put you above golf on a sunny Sunday in May? But this day isn't about gifts or even about a day off from your awesome responsibilities as a parent. By honoring Moms, families are celebrating the joy and love that makes being a part of this world a delight. Let everyone know that on this Sunday, there is a family commitment and everyone must be present. As you get closer, communicate more details and you will surely be met with relief that a scheduling mix-up did not occur. Remember that its not that your family members don't find think you are important. They are just used to the priority scale being weighed more heavily towards them. Gently letting them know that this special day is around the corner will excite and encourage them to share with you their own heart's desire. At the end of the day, we wouldn't want to be with anyone else and that's exactly why we are here, to love and protect them every step of the way.
Going It Alone - For many Moms, parenting is a solitary experience without a partner to share the responsibility. If you are a single mom, your courage and selfless commitment speak volumes to the character and soul you surely possess. Make special plans to enjoy your family on May 12th, be it a field trip to the park or a day at the library. Choose an activity that you know will bring out the best in your brood and revel in the fact that you are making it happen every day, 365 days a year. If you know a mom who parents alone, encourage her children to honor their mother in their own special way and when you can, offer to help them with materials, purchases, or guidance to make their heartfelt expression happen.
Founder Molly Gold is a 40-year-old mother of three and the creator of the GO MOM!® product line, which is produced via license partnership with Mead Westvaco Consumer and Office Products and sold at major retailers nationwide, including Target, Staples, and Office Max. Molly is known for her keen insights into Family Scheduling and has been featured both in print and on air.
