Why I Give My Kids Gifts On Mother’s Day

 

Only our mother would do something like this!

That’s what my kids said last year when I gave them a gift on Mother’s Day.

I’m sure you’re wondering why I do this. And as much as I would like to take the credit, it really wasn’t my idea.

I learned this from a friend who was telling me how she made it a tradition to give her kids gifts on Mother’s Day. Because, if it wasn’t for them, she wouldn’t have the privilege to be called mom.

Why I Give My Kids Gifts

I don’t know about you, but that really resonated with me in my spirit. As I thought about it for a few days, I realized that gesture to honor them on Mother’s Day would be a beautiful reflection of a mother’s love for her children.

Instead of focusing on how I can be honored that day, it was an opportunity for me to show my gratitude for the privilege I have as being their mother. That God chose me to raise them, and for that alone, I honor them.

Let’s face it ladies, one day of the year is not nearly enough to honor what we do 24 /7! So honoring them on Mother’s Day wasn’t going to steal my thunder.

However, little did I know the effect this decision I made would have on my kids.

The Effect On My Kids

I have to admit this took my kids by surprise. It’s tradition to spend the morning at church, then come home to have brunch and my husband and children would shower me with cards and gifts.

Well last year, when it was time for me to open their gifts, I interrupted their flow and said wait just a moment. Before we begin, I have a gift for the two of you.

The look on their face was priceless. After all the complaining…no mom we’re supposed to be giving you gifts, etc. I finally got them to be quiet so I could explain.

I communicated how blessed I was that God would select me to be THEIR mother and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be a mom. Then I handed them their gift.

For them, the essence of my actions stopped there. Although, for me God began to show me what was happening in the spirit. And if you’ve been following us for any length of time, you know we are always looking for teachable moments.

The Teachable Moment

After seeing how my kids responded to me, I realized the impact was far greater than I realized.

You see, they told me that Mother’s Day was a day for me to receive gifts, not to give gifts. And that reaction confirmed to me, that they have recognized a selfless act of kindness.

By putting the emphasis on the gesture and not the gift itself, it showed my children that it wasn’t about what the gift but how you give a gift that makes all the difference.

And a mother can only hope that when her children become husbands and fathers, or wives and mothers, they too will demonstrate such selflessness with their spouse and their children.

Gift Ideas

If you’re thinking about honoring your children this year with a gift, I want to encourage you to keep it simple. Remember this is a gesture to honor them as your children; which is the sole reason you bear the title mom. So you’re gift doesn’t need to be extravagant.

Last year was the first year I gave them gifts. The got Starbucks gift cards tied around a gift tag that said: you give me the privilege to be mom! Trust me, they were thrilled to get it; mostly because it caught them off guard.

These gift tags are available in our FREE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

 

Whether your kids are toddlers, teens or young adults here are a few gift ideas.

Gift Ideas for Toddlers

Coloring Book with Crayons
Bubbles
Favorite Candy or Special Treat
Pajamas or Slippers

Gift Ideas for Teens & Young Adults

A Board Game for the Family (Don’t Forget The Game Ledger!)
Gift Cards (Movies, Gas, Starbucks or Fast Food Give Cards)
Picture Frame with Photo of You and Them
Favorite Candy or Treat

In The End

My greatest accomplishment in this life is raising the children God has given me. So this mother’s day I look forward to honoring them as much as they are looking forward to honoring me.

How will you honor your children this mothers’ day? Share it with me in the comments below, I’m always looking for new ways to bless my kids especially on Mothers’ day!

PS…Don’t forget to head over to our FREE COMMUNITY LIBRARY to print your Mother’s Day Gift Tags For Kids today!

~ Timberley Gray