How to make your mom and dad love you

I've been an online writer for over four years. I'm a mother who's articles focus primarily on parenting and child-care.

How to Make Your Mom Happy

We all love our mothers, but sometimes it's easy to forget to let her know that. It really doesn't have to be difficult or expensive to show your mother how much she means to you.

Spend a little time with her or give her the right words, a gift, or a favor to let her know just how well she did in raising a child who loves her. This is important to do now and then, whether you're still young or grown with a family of your own.

And don't save it for Mother's Day or other holidays. You can show your mom that you appreciate her any time of year.

Ways to Show Mom You Care

One of the most appreciated, yet challenging, ways to let your mom know you care is to say so. Here are a few ways you can do it:

1. Say it when she does something for you.
   Moms do so much for us. When she helps you, make sure you show your appreciation by saying so. Do more than just say, "Thank you"—be specific.
2. Sing it.
   If you have musical talent, you could write a song for her and sing it. Live is good, but don't sell a recording short—she can keep and listen to over and over again.
3. Say, "I love you, Mom!"
   It's simple but effective, and she probably doesn't hear it often enough.
4. Tell her how helpful her advice has been.
   Moms give a lot of advice. Be sure to let her know when it helps you. You can also tell her about advice in the past that has helped you. She'll love hearing it.
5. Dedicate a song to her on the radio.
   Call up her favorite radio station and see if they'll dedicate a song to her at a time she's probably listening.
6. Call and tell her in the middle of the day.
   Call your mother in the middle of the work day and surprise her by telling her how much she means to you. She'll love that you thought of her even in the middle of the day.
7. Fix things in her house. This is especially helpful as your parents get older and can't do everything for themselves.
8. Do her yard work. Whether it's mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes, or planting a garden, most moms love it when you help keep their yards in good shape.
9. Babysit. If you have siblings young enough to still need babysitting, offer to take care of them for one night so that she can get out for an evening, whether alone, with your dad, with her own mother, or with friends.
10. Wash her car. Who doesn't love a clean car? Don't forget to vacuum out the insides and clean the insides of the windows to make it particularly special.
11. Make her breakfast in bed. It's a much-loved classic. Mom's worth getting up a little early for, isn't she?
12. Make her dinner. Show off whatever cooking skills you have and make dinner for your mom. Try to make it a little special. Don't forget to clean up the kitchen afterwards!
13. Give her quiet time. A mother's life is often hectic. Find a way to give her some quiet time to do the things she'd like to do.
14. Get everyone to come home. As everyone grows up and starts doing more of their own things, it gets harder and harder to get everyone home at once. Make plans to have everyone home for a special dinner or just simple family time.
15. Clean the house. Yes, the whole thing. Get into the details. Hire a housekeeper for the day if you prefer.
16. Plan a surprise party in her honor. You don't have to wait for her birthday or any other special day—in fact, an occasion not tied to a specific day makes it that much more meaningful. Find a way to get in contact with as many special people in her life as possible and have a party in her honor.
17. Visit her. If you don't live with your mom anymore, take some time to visit her. Make your time together a little extra special for her.
18. Listen. We all have busy lives. Take a little time and listen to your mother.
19. Write a letter. Write your mom a letter and tell her how much you treasure her. It's something she can keep and re-read for years.
20. Write a list. If you're not so much into the letter idea, try writing a list of things you appreciate about your mom.
21. Write a poem. Express how much you care for your mom in a poem. You can print it on good paper and frame it for her if you like.
22. Print out your favorite quotes that make you think of her. There are many online resources to find quotes, or just think up your favorites. Print them up and give them to her.
23. Make her a card. Sure, you can buy a card and make it special, but there's something about one you make yourself. With all the free clipart available online, you can make it look great even if you can't draw worth anything.
24. Write a family history together. This one combines the gift of your time with writing, plus you'll end up with something the entire family may treasure.
25. Leave notes for her. Write little notes about all the things you appreciate about your mom and hide them around her house.
26. Take her to dinner. Make a reservation just for the two of you. And make sure it's special, whether it's a fancy restaurant, a picnic with a beautiful view, or someplace tied to special memories you both share.
27. Take her out for a massage or spa day. Who doesn't enjoy a day planned for indulgent relaxation? Get a certificate for her from Spa Finder if you can't come along.
28. Take her someplace special to you both. Go together to a place that has meaning to both of you.
29. Go skydiving or on other adventures. Has your mom ever dreamed of doing something adventurous, such as skydiving or bungee jumping? Find a place and go have fun together.
30. Take her on a picnic. Don't let her do any of the work. Plan out the picnic at a favorite local site and let her enjoy it.

Make your mom a nice dinner to show her that you care.

Just Do It!

Don't overthink what your mom would like to have or what she needs to hear from you. Most moms will enjoy what you give them because it came from you.

Gifts You Can Buy to Show Mom You Appreciate Her

Words and actions aren't the only way to make your mom feel appreciated. The right gift will also delight her and let her know how much you care.

• A Kindle. Amazon's Kindle is a hugely popular gift. Lots of people want one. Add in some of her favorite titles or a gift certificate to help her add in her first few books to make it an even better gift.
• Photo mug. Put a family photo on a mug for her to enjoy as she sips her favorite coffee or other hot drink. Add in some coffee beans or ground coffee for a nice extra touch.
• Heated throw blanket. This is especially nice if your mom lives where there's a lot of cold weather.
• A donation to her favorite charity. This isn't directly to her, but she'll love it just the same. Send a donation in her name to her favorite charity.
• iPod or MP3 player. Who doesn't love music? Make sure your mom can take her favorite tunes wherever she goes.
• Foot massager. What mom isn't so busy that she often has tired feet? Give her a foot massage and encourage her to take a break.
• Mother's ring or other jewelry. Most moms love jewelry, but jewelry that represents her family may be even more special to her.
• Chocolate. Classic, almost too classic, but if you know her favorite type of chocolate, she'll still appreciate it.
• Flowers. Another classic, but still much beloved. Send her favorites to her and don't forget a personalized note.
• Woodeye Glassware. For the mom who likes to entertain, Woodeye makes glassware that really stands out.

You're never too old to make something for your mom.

Gifts You Can Make for Your Mom

Get a little more personal and make something special for your mom. This is a chance to indulge your creative side as you show your appreciation for all she does.

• Make a scrapbook. Get some family photos that she will enjoy and put them in a scrapbook. If you aren't much into scrapbooking, you can make a more basic photo album.
• Frame special photos for her walls. You know you have plenty of great photos just sitting there, unprinted and often unadmired. Pick some favorites, print them up in appropriate sizes, and frame them.
• Frame artwork you've created. This is a great gift from kids, but it works for creative adults too.
• Make some bath salts for her. There are recipes online for many kinds of bath salts. The basic recipe usually involves Epsom salts, sea salts, or kosher salts mixed with some baking soda and her favorite essential oils for a wonderful scent. Use food coloring to add a little color, and put it in a decorative jar.
• Make a website dedicated to her. Make it possible for anyone to see how much your mom means to you. You can use a site such as Blogger to do this for free or go the extra mile and buy a domain name and hosting. Set up a site all about how you feel about your mother. Even if you don't know much about running a website, tools such as Wordpress can be automatically installed on most hosts and make it relatively easy to run a site.
• Make coupons for things you can do for her. Think up some things you can do for your mom and print up "coupons" for her to get those things (e.g. one load of laundry washed and folded). She'll love that she can use her gift over a period of time when she needs it most.
• Create a recipe book. Your mom probably has some favorite recipes, but how are they organized? You can print up and organize a recipe book for her. A simple way is to use regular sheets of paper, a binder, and page protectors so her recipes don't get ruined as she cooks. Organize by categories, and you have a cookbook that can easily be added to. Don't forget your own favorites, especially if you're good cook yourself.
• Make a rice-bag heating pad. A rice bag is great for warming up and using on sore muscles. Get some heavy cloth and make it into a bag. Fill about halfway with rice. When it's heated in the microwave, the rice retains the heat and feels great on sore muscles.
• Print out a family calendar. No doubt there are a lot of birthdays and other events your mom likes to keep track of. Help her by making a family calendar. If she's comfortable on the computer, consider setting up a calendar on her computer that will remind her of upcoming birthdays and more.
• Burn a family photo CD. Collect your best family photos and put them on a CD. This one is great if you have kids of your own, and your mom always wants grandchild pics.

Little Ways That You Can Help Your Mom

• Always help clean the dishes: Mom takes care of so much around the house, she'll appreciate the extra help.
• Offer her a ride somewhere: Mom's been driving you around for years, it's time to extend the favor.
• Help your mom shop: Mom only has so many hands, help her carry all of those bags.
• Offer to pay for services or meals: Mom fed you for so long, so offer a good meal.
• Wash your mom's car for her: As your mom ages it's harder for her to household tasks, offer to wash her car and help her save her money.
• Tell your mom that you love her: If your mom hears those three words every day, then she's bound to be a good mood.

FAQ About Moms and Motherhood

We never seem to give enough credit to our moms. Our moms went through so much pain and hard work to bring us into this world. Our mothers are a big deal and we owe it to them to show how much we care about them. We should do something to tell them how much we love them. Even when we don’t always show our appreciation, they still show us support and love.

Did People Give Their Moms Gifts in the Past?

It's been customary across many cultures to give gifts to mothers. Which gifts are given has traditionally varied from culture to culture. As one could imagine, a mother living in Victorian England would likely receive a different gift than a mother living in Bombay, India. Nevertheless, across cultures, mothers are often gifted items that help with their daily routines.

Has the Idea of Being a Mom Changed?

Yes, depending on the culture. As more and more women have entered the workforce, traditional motherhood roles have been shaken up. More and more women are having less children and spending more one on one time with each child. That said, there's no one way to be a great mom and every culture is different. Some cultures have been historically matriarchal, while some are patriarchal (many are somewhere in between).

Global Traditions That Celebrate Mom

How Did Mother's Day Start?

Mother's Day started as an anti-war movement. Anna Jarvis is most often credited with founding Mother's Day in the United States. Designated as the second Sunday in May by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914, aspects of that holiday have since spread overseas, sometimes mingling with local traditions.

Greatest Mothers of All Time

Why Are Mothers so Important in Our Lives?

Mothers teach us to have confidence and belief in ourselves. Mothers knew from experience how important for people to believe in themselves in order for children to be whole, strong and grow with a healthy estimation of oneself. A good mother will be the kind of role model that helps her children understand how to treat women with respect and dignity.

Sources

How Do You Show Your Mom You Appreciate Her?

We can always use more ideas, and moms can always use more appreciation.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

R on August 11, 2020:

I love my mom soooooooo much

Mayame Hassan on July 04, 2020:

Mama i Iove you up to the end of my life.

Ur my everything

Jacky on June 04, 2020:

This is so good.

Kenny on June 01, 2020:

quite sad that my mother was forced to cry through bs intentions

mama love you and bless you from christ

don on May 26, 2020:

Francis Rico/Don Miguel Ruiz

Love my mamma/dadda

don't let them upset

trust and truth and love all day every day

mahija on May 23, 2020:

really my mom isimpressed with your ideas thank uuu soooo much

finnian kenny on April 29, 2020:

love mom baba mom :) (:x

Hrmsarun on April 10, 2020:

I was vry proud get my mom....every one around as live their mom .....no 9ne of the guys can dislike there mom coz mom is queen to their little princess how can hate that queen like wise I live my mom than wide the beautiful blue sky my mom is everything no one can replace ...my mom's shoulder ......live u forever.,..thank u for working stil now mom I feel proud to be a daughter handsofff mom e uom ummmma

nyleigh on March 30, 2020:

my mom is the best

Des'anique on June 25, 2019:

I love my all the time and she kiss me

Toluwanimi on May 01, 2019:

i wish i could give my mum everything she wants cuz shes amazing i also wish i never messed up infront of her.

ISRAEL on April 12, 2019:

thank you mom for protecting me

Alice on March 22, 2019:

I love my mom so much

Reem on December 27, 2018:

That stuff does work

maen alfeen on December 14, 2018:

i would do everything for her and surprise her with diamond rings

Mariah on December 09, 2018:

Thank you so much for these I am making my mom a coupon book for Christmas and I needed some ideas because I was running out... these helped so much thank you!

Mom on November 19, 2018:

Thank you

iznna on October 22, 2018:

I cleaned her room can't wait until she gets home and sees it

lornah on October 18, 2018:

i like it

Jamie on October 09, 2018:

I love my mum so much iv neglected her over the years being in relationships and being selfish and busy woth my own life i look at her now i look at her now shes starting to get on and o dread the day i lose her i jyst want to show her i love her and im sorry for being a terrible son

Marcos on September 16, 2018:

Thank goodness I have a mom

jael vick on September 06, 2018:

Thanks for that I needed :-)

rotimi tosin on August 17, 2018:

i love been love, you make me know that my mum is the whole word to me

Mekras on August 09, 2018:

Thank you so much for putting out this articles on the web.I was weeping while I go through it#Moms deserve the best more even life can offer.

Poop on July 20, 2018:

This is great advice

sanaa on July 08, 2018:

this is not that bad

jael on July 05, 2018:

good advice

GOPA KUMAR V on June 08, 2018:

I love my mother and I would like to stay with her , but unfortunately the situation not allowed and unable to bring her to my home due to physical situation.

Yenci on June 05, 2018:

Hi! I would like to thank you for this website! It's amazing and helps a lot. I love to do things for my mom, but often have to clue what to do so this website really helps me do great things for her!

Hi Great Website on May 23, 2018:

Hi great website

Carleigh on May 23, 2018:

Hi this is a good website....:)

Sam on May 15, 2018:

This kinda helped. I have emotion issues and anxiety, which makes it extremely hard for me to show any love towards people I'm especially close to, hence my mother.

I was such a crap child this past month. On her 40th birthday I was too anxious to even make her a god damn card! Then on Mother's Day I was at my dads so I could do no more than a text! I feel unbelievably awful because she's an amazing woman and I love her so unbelievably much.

I'm going to try the ones I can, she means the world to me and her mentioning that she's feeling down because of some of this makes me feel like the absolute worst child I'm existance.

magy on May 04, 2018:

is that 50!

Carlotta on April 13, 2018:

Hi

My mum becomes quite, I cannot actually think of the word, but it may come to you. She doesn’t like being pampered by me or waited on and can get annoyed if I wasn’t to wash up after dinner as a sign of my appreciation. I try to take her out and I lasys need a reason. I cannot take her out just because to spend time with her. She thinks I’m trying to save her from Dad who relies on her heavily, just the set up, it’s very old school, the man and woman’s roles are clearly defined. He is very much served, I like to try give her a break from waiting on him hand and foot. This upsets her. I just need some insight and help. There’s no way I can organize a girls weekend away to just spend time with her because she refuses to leave dad alone. He’s not fragile just likes being served. He’s worked hard and deserves TLC it’s just restricting. please help

Daniel J. on April 12, 2018:

Thx so much! My mom was very sad, and she was elated after that. Thanks soooo much!!!!!!!!!!!

Me on March 29, 2018:

So helpfull! really great ideas, creative and crafty!!!

Paula on March 27, 2018:

I love my mom , and thank u for helping me make my mom happy . I love this website. THANK YOU..........................................................

Peyton on February 25, 2018:

I love my mom soooooo sooooo much after seeing all of this stuff I proved to my mom I’m a good kid and now she told me that I was her favorite out of the whole family.

antonio moran on February 06, 2018:

very good instructions

Pragya on January 15, 2018:

I love my mum v much....She even loves me like anything....She's always worried for me....For my studies....Food my health n etc...

Nowadays....She is almost losing her control on herself....She gets so angry and fir everything she's ready to shout at me...Smtyms fir no reason.....M going to be 17 now...But still she doesn't treat me like that

...In front of my younger ones even....She do this..!!

Plz help me someone

...I wnt to sort out everything and make her happy want her to know...Yes she is Important to me and I love her so much....Plz hlp!(~_~;)

Olya on January 09, 2018:

My dad left when I was 3 or 4 and my mom is really sick and I make her breakfast,lunch,and dinner but she does not feel better. I’m just a student and things are tough at home and I can’t buy her anything cause I’m only ten years old.

Needhelp on December 28, 2017:

I want my mom to know I love her. How do i do it? How do I show emotions and facial expressions?

Ray on December 17, 2017:

Randy, I think you should talk to a really close friend adult and ask them for help or I’m pretty sure your school hast psychologist, you could go and get advice from them instead of searching unhelpful stuff online. I’m not saying these ideas are unhelpful but I personally can’t use them because we don’t usually talk with my mother and I because of it almost every night, well that’s another story.

So I think you should go see a professional.

Princess on September 17, 2017:

What if you are a young child.

Annabella on July 29, 2017:

If you are a student, like I am, you could produce good results. Work hard and don't disappoint her. You know, sometimes hugging isn't a good way. I did that and she still says I don't love her. Or maybe she is pretending. I don't know.

Nasialoveshermum on April 16, 2017:

Take crer of ur mom

Show her that u really do love her

Anyone on January 08, 2017:

I love my mom but we have problems. Some

Times she yells at us but does that mean she doesn't love us

anonymous on June 27, 2016:

Let your mom know she is appreciated. Also, ask what you can do to help, moms love that.

Robin Mercer from Arizona on April 15, 2015:

Tenaya,

I am sorry you are going through this. Building a new house is very stressful, but it sounds like something else may be wrong with your mum. If this is still going on, tell your dad. Maybe she needs rest, vitamins or even medicine. When you see she is upset, ask her what you can do to help. If she yells at you and carries on, don't blame yourself! Play with your siblings and help out, but don't try to fix her. Make sure you tell your dad so you can all help her get better

Tenaya Marks on March 29, 2015:

Hi my name is Tenaya and I need some advice, I am 11 years old and my mum is 32 and we have recently built a new house and we have had a lot of problems and it has been a bumpy ride.

Nearly every night she is upset cranky and emotional at us kids and my dad.

(We have 4 kids and a mum and a dad)

It got so bad one night while my dad was at work she just kept crying and crying an crying and just would not stop

Susie Lehto from Minnesota on March 25, 2015:

I am Mom's personal care provider and already do a lot of the things you have suggested. I am thankful for some more great ideas to show her that she is loved and appreciated. - Thank you!

anonymous on January 04, 2013:

The main thing you give your mom is love

anonymous on September 28, 2012:

try to make her every dream true because she is special to you

anonymous on June 22, 2012:

Name a star in her name,that way she can find it and it will always be their for her to look at.

anonymous on May 26, 2012:

Do what she ask to do like chores

anonymous on May 12, 2012:

Take care of your baby brother while she rest.