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Gifts from a Mother

Mother’s Day is just around the corner.

 

Some of you will head to the nearest spa.  Alone.  Because, let’s face it, it’s your day and you deserve a break.

 

Others will crave uninterrupted family time.  No computers, no phones, not even a single Instagram.  Being present will make your day.

 

Some will head off to big family parties where generations of mothers unite and children run around, playing to their heart’s content.  Togetherness is how you choose to celebrate motherhood.

 

And a few of you will enjoy breakfast in bed while being showered with gifts, big and small, as your little angels attempt to meet your every need for the day.  These small tokens of appreciation will remind you that you are so very loved and needed.

 

However you choose to spend your special day, I hope you will be able to reflect on the gifts that you give your children each and every day.

 

In a world full of rushing, it can be difficult to stop and truly remember these gifts.

 

I asked a few friends on Facebook and Twitter what they think is the best gift a mother can give her child.  This is how they answered (in no particular order):

 

Unconditional love

 

Time and undivided attention

 

Confidence

 

Self respect

 

Independence

 

Self-esteem

 

Roots and wings

 

Respect for others

 

Lots of hugs, kisses, and snuggles

 

There were many, many repeats…as we all seem to have similar goals as parents.

 

This list made me smile because, even though life gets busy and we sometimes feel like professional drivers or conflict resolution experts, I know that we all have these goals covered every day.

 

Every sign of affection shows our little ones that we love them.

 

Every moment of forgiveness shows them that our love is, indeed, unconditional.

 

Every time we stop to play, listen, or just read to our children, they have our time and undivided attention.

 

Every time we praise their efforts, we instill a feeling of self-confidence.

 

Every time we help them focus on their strengths and assert their needs and desires, we teach them the importance of self-respect.

 

Every time we send them off with a bit of encouragement, be it to a drop-off play date or down a particularly scary slide, we help them to become more independent.

 

With every little word meant to build them up, we help increase their self-esteem.

 

By giving them a forever home and the courage to take a leap, we give them roots and wings.

 

Every time that we work on sharing, empathy, and kindness, we teach them the value respecting others.

 

And the hugs, kisses, and snuggles?  That’s just the icing on the cake.

 

Every day we give our children these incredible gifts.  Every day we love them, protect them, and teach them.  Even on the not-so-great days.

 

No matter where this Mother’s Day takes you, please remember this:  You have helped shape a little life for another year, and you are simply amazing.

 

Happy Mother’s Day to the whole Mommy Moment family.