Mother’s Day always looks a little different from year to year, but one thing that’s always stayed the same is how much I love spending it with my kids. It may not be quiet or perfectly planned (let’s be honest lol), but it’s always special to me in the sweetest, simplest ways. I used to think the day had to be a big celebration or perfectly put together, but the older I get, the more I realize it’s really about the little things. The slow moments, the traditions you repeat each year and the memories your kids actually remember.
If you’re looking for ideas that feel special—but still realistic—these are some of my favorite meaningful traditions and simple ways to celebrate Mother’s Day with your kids. While cars and presents are always appreciated, the traditions we create with our children usually become what we remember the most from the day. Whether you’re celebrating with little ones or continuing traditions as your adult kids grow, these Mother’s Day ideas will help you create memories that will last forever.
1. Start the Day with Breakfast in Bed
What better way to celebrate. If your husband doesn’t cook breakfast in bed for you, or you don’t have older kids. Enlist the kids to help, join them in the kitchen and cook breakfast together. Let them pick the menu and let them help. Stay in your pjs, get back in bed with your kids and enjoy breakfast in bed together. Make sure you let them pick the cartoons to watch together. Sure, maybe Mother’s Day is supposed to be about the moms, but the older I get, I feel like it’s really about doing whatever the kids want. They just want to treat you and spend time with you. Sure, it may not look like your dream day, but it will make them feel so proud of themself doing all these sweet things for you. And that’s really what matters most. = )
2. Let the Kids Plan the Day
Give them a piece of paper and a pen and let them make a plan for the day. It will make them feel so special getting to plan our your special day. It is rare that kids gets to ever plan an entire day, but I bet they will take so much pride in it and feel so loved seeing how much you’re enjoying the day with them too.
3. Have an at Home Spa Morning Together
Manicures, pedicures, face masks, lip masks and maybe even a massage (fingers crossed!) This sounds like such a fun morning at home together! If you have daughters, I’m sure they will love it just as much as you! And if you have boys, maybe they will still be a good sport. I guarantee you Grayson would be on board and try to polish my nails for me LOL!
4. Write Letters to Each Other
If your kids are old enough to write, I think this is such a special idea. And if they’re younger, they can still draw pictures. And you’ll have a keepsake that you can keep forever to remember from your kids when they’re done. Save them in a memory box or scrapbook to revisit year after year. They will be a priceless reminder of each stage of motherhood throughout the years.
5. Have a Picnic Together
This is one of my favorite ones! If it’s a beautiful day, pack up a meal (and let the kids help.) You can just go in the backyard, or you could even pack it up to go to the park.
6. Plant Flowers Together
Planting flowers or starting a small garden is such a sweet way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Every time you look at them, you’ll think of the kids and Mother’s Day.
7. Play Board Games or Cards Together
Another favorite idea. Just slow down and spend the day playing some games together. We love doing this. Let the kids pick the cards or games and spend a relaxing afternoon with a little friendly competition.
8. Have a Dance Party Together
How often do you have impromptu dance parties? Well, this is the perfect time! Let the kids pick the music, dress up if you want, and just let loose together!
9. Cook Dinner or Bake Together
Let the kids plan the menu. Only assist in small ways if they want to feel like they did most of themselves. It’s a great way to build self-esteem for them while growing their cooking and baking skills too.
10. Go for a Walk or Bike Ride Together
Just stroll through the neighborhood or load up the bikes for a ride at the park. Just spend a little time together outdoors doing something active with your kids.
11. Create a Memory Book or Photo Album Together
Document each Mother’s Day with photos, notes and other special keepsakes. Include:
- Letters and drawings
- Photos from Mother’s Day. An Instax camera is a great way to document it all
- Pressed flowers from planting them together
- Special notes or memories
Over time this book becomes a cherished family heirloom that you can pull out to look at each Mother’s Day.
12. Watch Movies Together in Your Pajamas
Before the day ends, gather with your kids and spend some time together talking about your favorite parts of the day. This simple tradition is a great way to bond and bring the day to an end.
Mother’s Day traditions don’t have to be elaborate to be special. The most special moments often come from small gestures shared with the people you love the most. All your kids really want is to spend the day with you and feel like they really surprised you or made your day. And honestly, just spending the day with them will make your day. It’s that simple. The gift of time is the best gift. Let me know which of these traditions you do this year.
