How to Honor Mom on Mother's Day

Play the "I like Mom Because" Game

Mother's Day is celebrated in many countries including the United States, India, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Australia, Mexico, Canada, China and Japan among others. It's a day of tribute for mothers everywhere. From cards to flowers to brunch or dinner, many gifts will be given. Honoring your mother by words and actions is the best of all gifts. Here are 12 ways to honor your mother.

Instructions

1. Treat your mom exceptionally well. It's not the gift you buy; it's the way you treat your mom that matters.

2. Give a handmade memory box. Mom's like gifts that their kids make. Wrap or glue special paper onto a box. Adorn the box with your favorite family photos. Add ribbons and buttons. Be creative. Tuck treasured mementoes inside. Encourage each family member to write a greeting that Mom can read when she opens the box. Add to it throughout the year.

3. Be kind to your siblings. No fighting or sibling rivalry allowed on Mom's day. Mothers love hanging out with their children, especially when everyone is behaving themselves and getting along. When brothers or sisters fight, mom feel anxious. She wonders if she failed them in some way. When siblings get along, she can relax. She hopes that her family will be able to rely on each other when she's gone. When you're especially nice to each other on Mother's Day, you give her reassurance not only that she's a good mom, but that you love your siblings too.

4. Do extra chores. Clean a closet. Go out of your way to do something special for her that she can't do and needs help with. I know a family of adult children who on Mother's Day purged the basement of all the childhood stuff that they'd been storing. They sent Mom and an aunt off to get manicures and pedicures while they cleaned up the basement. When Mom arrived home the basement was bare. Mom was surprised and energized. For years since the kids had moved out she'd been dreaming of turning the basement into her sewing room and now she could.

5. Gather the family and give a toast. If your celebration revolves around having a meal together, be sure to honor your mother by toasting her. Raise your glasses high and say: "Here's to the best mom we've ever had." Coordinate with family members in advance. Ask siblings to contribute to the toast. Make the toast personal by sharing stories or describing the characteristics that make Mom special.

6. Play the "I like Mom Because" Game. This game is played with a group of family members or close friends. The game begins with one person completing the following sentence, "I like Mom because..." The next person repeats the first person's statement and adds his own, "I like Mom because..." The next person repeats the first and second sentences and adds her own. This continues until everyone has contributed. It's a challenging memory game. Each person repeats what has been said and then adds another sentence. Mom's the center of attention in this game. After everyone has contributed, Mom repeats in order what everyone has said. Get out the Kleenex.

7. Crown her "Queen for the Day." Treat Mom like the queen that she is. Honor her for the sacrifices she's made on behalf of the family. Make her the center of attention. Wait on her hand and foot.

8. Pick up the phone. If you're not in the same city as your mom or not spending time together on Mother's Day, be sure to make a phone call early in the day. You want her to know that you're thinking about her. She's likely to feel sad if you don't remember. There is no acceptable excuse; no matter how busy you are, pick up the phone and call.

9. Hold hands and hug. Perhaps you were a family that didn't hug each other. This is the perfect day to change that pattern. If you're an adult you can turn it around by reaching out with a warm embrace. Hold your mother's hand when you walk down the street. Show respect by opening doors and carrying packages.

10. Consider her struggles. Don't assume that you know everything your mother thinks or feels. Ask her opinions and input. Ask her to share her life story and listen closely. Show compassion for her struggles.

11. Hold her close. Say, "I love you." You can never tell your mother enough how much she means to you. Let your words and actions show how much you care. Be grateful that you have a mother.

12. Stand strong on behalf of woman everywhere. Notice all moms. Treat grandmothers, aunts and all women respectfully. Be tender toward the elderly among us. Speak up for women's rights. Stick up for women everywhere. Demand that all be treated well.