DISCLOSURE: As a blogger, my content may include affiliate links from advertisers. I may earn a commission from actions readers take on these links, such as a click, purchase, or subscribe. However, these are the tools that I recommend fully and have helped my blog tremendously, and are at no cost to you.
Mother’s Day falls on every second Sunday of May. For this year, it is on the 12th May 2024. It’s a time to honor the incredible women in our lives who nurture, teach, and love unconditionally. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the health and well-being of mothers everywhere. At Healthy Mum and Bub, we believe that a mother’s health is the cornerstone of a happy family.
How to Nurture Wellness on Mother’s Day?
The Gift of Health
This Mother’s Day, let’s give the gift of health. Encourage the moms in your life to take time for themselves. Whether it’s a peaceful walk, a yoga class, or simply a quiet moment with a book, self-care is essential.
Encourage mindfulness with activities that foster peace and relaxation. Guided meditations, deep-breathing exercises, or even gardening can help her find tranquility.
Some other great wellness gifts for mom are:
Self-Care Packages: A box filled with items like herbal teas, aromatherapy oils, or a mindfulness journal can encourage relaxation and mental health.
Fitness Trackers: Devices like a Fitbit can motivate daily exercise and track health metrics, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy Cuisine Kits: A gift set with ingredients and recipes for healthy Mediterranean dishes can inspire nutritious cooking at home.
Spa Day: A voucher for a massage or spa treatment can provide a much-needed respite and rejuvenation.
Celebrating with Natural Elegance
Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to pamper your mom with a touch of natural beauty. Using organic makeup from brands like Sassy Organics, you can create a look for her that’s not only stunning but also kind to her skin and the environment.
Start by choosing a lightweight foundation or BB cream that matches her skin tone for a subtle, radiant base.
Enhance her features with a hint of mineral blush for a natural flush and an organic mascara to bring out her eyes.
Finish the look with a swipe of nourishing lip balm or lipstick in her favorite shade.
Remember, the key to natural makeup is to accentuate, not mask, so keep it simple and let her true beauty shine through.
For a more personalized touch, consider creating a custom gift basket filled with organic makeup essentials. Include a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and a selection of Sassy Organics products tailored to her preferences.
Add a personal note or a handmade card to express your gratitude and love. This thoughtful gesture will not only make her feel cherished but also introduce her to the benefits of using natural, organic products in her daily routine.
Nutritious and Delicious Treats
Surprise her with a nutritious breakfast in bed. Think colorful fruit salads, whole-grain toast with avocado, or a smoothie packed with greens and berries. It’s a delicious way to start her day right.
Fun Mother’s Day Pancake Surprise
Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Assorted toppings: sliced strawberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, whipped cream, maple syrup, etc.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the griddle: Heat a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg lightly. Then add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter.
5. Cook the pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter.
6. Create the surprise: Assemble the pancakes into a stack, layering with your chosen toppings between each pancake. Get creative with the design!
7. Serve: Place the pancake surprise on a plate and present it to Mom with a big smile.
8. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness together as a family, making sure to give Mom extra love and appreciation on her special day!
Family Fitness
Plan a family activity that gets everyone moving. A hike in the park, a game of tag, or a dance-off in the living room—it’s all about having fun and staying active together.
Mother’s Day Ring Fit Dance Party
Get ready to celebrate Mother’s Day in style with a Ring Fit dance party! Arrange an energetic and fun-filled workout that combines fitness with dance, perfect for moms and the whole family. Let’s groove, sweat, and make unforgettable memories together as we celebrate the amazing moms in our lives with a healthy and joyful celebration!
Materials Needed:
• Nintendo Switch with RingFit Adventure game
• Joy-Con controllers
• Enough space to move around
Instructions:
1. Set Up:
• Turn on your Nintendo Switch and start the RingFit Adventure game.
• Follow the instructions to get your Ring-Con and leg strap ready.
2. Choose Dance Party:
• Pick “Dance Party” from the game’s menu.
• It’s all about dancing and having fun!
3. Pick Characters:
• Choose characters for everyone playing.
• Mom can pick her favorite!
4. Select Music:
• Pick some upbeat songs from the list.
• Choose ones that Mom loves or that feel like a celebration.
5. Start Dancing:
• Follow the moves on the screen.
• Use the Ring-Con and leg strap to dance along with the music.
6. Play Together:
• You can compete or work together.
• Have fun and enjoy the music!
7. Check Progress:
• See how many calories you’ve burned and your score.
• Try to beat your high score next time!
8. Celebrate Mom:
• Take breaks to celebrate Mom during the game.
• Make her feel special!
9. Cool Down:
• After playing, do some gentle stretches.
• Relax and talk about the fun you had.
10. Play Again:
• Keep playing and dancing together.
• Enjoy making memories with mom on her special day!
Family Bonding with a Theme
Family bonding day with a theme such as your mom’s favorite songstress would make the day so special, filled with rhythm, melody, and maybe even a little dance! Picture a day where every activity, every dish, and every moment is inspired by the soulful tunes and infectious energy of her musical icon. From crafting playlists that capture her favorite hits to reimagining classic recipes with a musical twist, the possibilities are endless. So, are you ready to turn up the volume and discover what themed day could truly make your mom’s heart sing?
Shake It Off with Mom: A Taylor Swift-Themed Mother’s Day Celebration
Begin with a Swiftie Brunch
Start your day with a brunch featuring mom’s favorite dishes and a playlist of Taylor’s hits from all eras. Decorate the table with pastel colors and glitter, reminiscent of Taylor’s “Lover” album.
Craft Time: Make Your Own Taylor-Inspired Merch
Gather supplies for everyone to create their own Taylor-inspired T-shirts, using fabric paints, stencils of Taylor’s iconic symbols, and plenty of sparkles.
Taylor Swift Karaoke Challenge
Set up a karaoke station with all of Taylor’s hits. Have a friendly competition to see who can channel their inner Swift the best.
Swiftie Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt around your home or garden with clues related to Taylor’s songs and albums. The final prize? A collection of Taylor’s albums or a homemade “Swiftie” trophy.
End the Day with a Taylor Swift Movie Marathon
Relax with a movie marathon featuring Taylor’s concert films, documentaries, and music videos. Don’t forget the popcorn and “Fearless” themed snacks!
Make this Mother’s Day a chart-topping hit with a Taylor Swift theme that mom will never forget. Share your Swiftie celebration on Instagram with us using #SwiftieMothersDay and @healthymumandbub!
A Community of Support
Remind her that she’s not alone. Connect with other moms through virtual meet-ups, share stories, and offer support. Motherhood is a journey best shared.
As our readers usually come from Australia, the USA, the UK and Singapore, some of the great supportive communities for mothers in Australia, the USA and the UK are:
Australia:
- Mama Tribe: Offers local meet-ups and events to connect mothers and provide support through various stages of motherhood.
- Mothers Connected: An 8-week program providing postnatal advice and a chance to meet other mothers.
- Council of Single Mothers and their Children: Offers advocacy and specialist support services for single mothers.
USA:
- Working Momkind: An online community offering support and resources for working mothers.
- BabyCenter: Helps find local mom groups and provides a platform for mothers to connect.
- The Life of a Single Mom: A charity providing support for single mothers across various needs.
UK:
- Netmums: A well-established online community where mothers can seek advice and share experiences.
- Mumsnet: Another popular online network that offers discussion forums for mothers on various topics.
- MumsAid: Provides specialist counseling for pregnant women and new mothers facing mental health issues.
Singapore:
- Stork’s Nest Singapore: A large community for new parents with over 12,500 members.
- New Mothers’ Support Group: Ideal for expectant mothers, new mothers, and those new to Singapore.
- Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (BMSG): Offers support for breastfeeding mothers.
How to Involve children in Mother’s Day Celebrations?
Making Mother’s Day educational for kids is a wonderful idea! Here are some activities that can be both fun and educational:
Crafting Together
Engage in simple crafts like making flower clay prints or thumbprint heart glass magnets. These activities are not only fun but also result in handmade gifts that moms can cherish.
Origami Flowers for Mom
One of Healthy Mum and Bub’s favourite activities is paper folding or Origami in the words of Japanese popular art culture! My little girl and I love to explore one new Origami idea every now and then by getting the inspiration from the daily objects we use to her favourite kid shows.
No Mother’s Day is complete without some beautiful and thoughtful flowers! Recently, my girl and I have made some lovely Origami tulips! Check out the steps on how to fold Origami tulips from this helpful video!
Another one of our most loved Origami flowers is rose! Like a rose, moms bloom with grace, beauty, and endless love. Here is the step by step video on how to fold Origami roses.
Performing a Play
Encourage children to put on a play or a talent show for their mothers. They can sing, dance, or recite poems, making the day memorable.
For a Mother’s Day play, adapting classic stories can add depth and familiarity to the performance while still conveying themes of love, family, and gratitude. Here are some popular classic stories that could serve as inspiration for a Mother’s Day play:
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott: This beloved novel follows the lives of the March sisters and their mother, Marmee, during the Civil War era. The story explores themes of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between mothers and daughters.
“Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery: The story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative orphan who is adopted by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, offers themes of family, friendship, and the transformative power of love and acceptance.
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen: While primarily a romance, the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and her mother, Mrs. Bennet, provides rich material for exploring the dynamics between mothers and daughters, as well as societal expectations and the pursuit of happiness.
“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett: This classic children’s novel tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl who discovers a hidden garden and learns about the healing power of nature, friendship, and love. The character of Mrs. Medlock, the housekeeper, could also be explored in relation to motherhood.
“Mama’s Bank Account” by Kathryn Forbes: This heartwarming story follows a Norwegian immigrant family in San Francisco and centers around the mother’s resilience, resourcefulness, and love for her children. It’s a touching portrayal of the sacrifices mothers make for their families.
“The Sound of Music” (Film and Musical): Based on the true story of the von Trapp family, this musical celebrates the bond between Maria, the governess, and the von Trapp children, as well as the maternal instinct that leads Maria to guide and nurture them.
“A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry: While primarily a drama exploring race and identity, the character of Lena Younger (Mama) offers a poignant portrayal of a mother’s dreams and sacrifices for her family’s future.
“Mary Poppins” (Film and Musical): While Mary Poppins isn’t a traditional mother figure, her role as a nurturing and magical caregiver to the Banks children offers themes of love, guidance, and the importance of family bonds.
These classic stories can be adapted and reimagined to fit the theme of Mother’s Day, allowing for creative interpretations that resonate with audiences of all ages.
How to Perform a Play?
Performing a Mother’s Day play can be a heartwarming tribute to the special moms in your life. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to organize and perform a Mother’s Day play:
1. Choose a Script: Select a script that suits the theme and audience of your Mother’s Day celebration. You can find pre-written scripts online or create your own.
2. Cast Roles: Assign roles to participants based on their interests, talents, and availability. Make sure everyone is comfortable with their lines and characters.
3. Rehearse: Schedule regular rehearsals to practice lines, blocking, and timing. Encourage actors to embody their characters and add their own flair to the performance.
4. Design Set and Props: Create a simple set and gather props to enhance the visual appeal of the play. Consider incorporating Mother’s Day-themed decorations to set the mood.
5. Plan Music and Sound Effects: Select appropriate music and sound effects to accompany key scenes and transitions. Practice cues and timing to ensure a smooth performance.
6. Promote the Event: Spread the word about your Mother’s Day play through invitations, social media, and word of mouth. Encourage friends, family, and community members to attend and celebrate with you.
7. Perform: On the day of the event, set up the stage, props, and sound equipment. Encourage performers to relax, have fun, and give it their all during the performance.
8. Capture Memories: Consider recording or photographing the play to preserve memories of this special occasion. You can also give each participant a small keepsake to commemorate their involvement.
9. Celebrate: After the performance, take a moment to celebrate and thank everyone involved, including performers, volunteers, and audience members. Consider hosting a reception with refreshments and activities to continue the festivities.
Performing a Mother’s Day play is a wonderful way to honor and celebrate the special bond between mothers and their loved ones. Enjoy the experience and cherish the memories created during this heartwarming celebration!
Cooking a Meal
With supervision, children can help prepare a special meal or treat for their mom. And as already mentioned in the earlier section of this blog post, children can create healthy and nutritious breakfast for the moms of their life! It’s a great way to spend quality time together.
Mother’s Day Brunch
How about a delightful Mother’s Day brunch idea that children can easily make? How about a “Build-Your-Own Mini Quiche Bar”?
Provide pre-made mini tart shells or puff pastry cups, along with a variety of fillings like diced vegetables, cooked bacon or ham, shredded cheese, and herbs.
Children can fill their cups with their chosen ingredients, then whisk together eggs and a splash of milk to pour over the fillings.
Bake until the quiches are golden and puffed up. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad and some juice or tea for a delicious and thoughtful Mother’s Day brunch treat made with love by the little ones.
For more details, check out the below step by step recipe for Build-Your-Own Mini Quiche Bar:
Ingredients:
• Pre-made mini tart shells or puff pastry cups
• Assorted fillings (such as diced vegetables, cooked bacon or ham, shredded cheese, herbs)
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh fruit salad (optional, for serving)
• Juice or tea (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Set out your pre-made mini tart shells or puff pastry cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Prepare your fillings by chopping any vegetables or cooked meats you’ll be using. Set them aside in separate bowls.
4. Let the children choose their fillings and fill their mini tart shells or puff pastry cups. They can mix and match as they please!
5. In a small bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the milk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the fillings in each tart shell, filling them about three-quarters full.
7. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the quiches are golden and puffed up.
8. Remove the quiches from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve the mini quiches alongside a fresh fruit salad and some juice or tea for a complete Mother’s Day brunch treat!
10. Enjoy the delicious and customizable mini quiches made with love by the children for a special Mother’s Day celebration!
Feel free to adjust the recipe and ingredients based on your preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy your Mother’s Day brunch!
Nature and Gardening
Planting a garden can teach children about plant biology, responsibility, and the environment. It’s also a great way to spend time outdoors.
Homemade Cards
Guide children to create personalized cards, expressing their feelings and gratitude towards their mothers.
Math with Crafts
While crafting gifts, such as making a tissue paper flower pot or a popsicle stick earring stand, children can practice counting, measuring, and understanding shapes.
Science in the Kitchen
Baking together can be a delicious science lesson. Explain the role of each ingredient and the chemical reactions that occur during baking.
Chocolate Chip Muffins for Mom
Here’s a step-by-step recipe for a delicious Mother’s Day baking treat – Chocolate Chip Muffins!
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, serve the muffins warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful Mother’s Day treat!
10. Optional: For an extra special touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled muffins or dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
These chocolate chip muffins are sure to make Mother’s Day extra sweet! Enjoy baking and sharing them with the special moms in your life.
Literacy through Writing
Encourage children to write essays, stories, or poems about their mothers or grandmothers. This helps with their writing skills and allows them to express their feelings creatively.
Art and History
Discuss the history of Mother’s Day and have children create art related to the theme. They can learn about different cultures and how they celebrate motherhood.
A Bit of Art and History on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day, a global tribute to maternal bonds, originated from Anna Jarvis’s memorial in 1908 and became a U.S. national holiday in 1914. Artistic representations of motherhood, like Morisot’s “The Cradle,” celebrate this bond with warmth and strength. The Smithsonian’s mother and child portraits further exemplify this unbreakable connection.
Art has always revered mothers, depicting them as figures of strength and grace. From religious portrayals of the Virgin Mary to Cassatt’s intimate family scenes, these works universally honor motherhood’s significance.
On Mother’s Day, we honor not just mothers but also the art they’ve inspired. This day reminds us of their sacrifices and love, as seen in the timeless artworks that capture a mother’s enduring spirit. Let’s cherish and draw inspiration from these artistic tributes to motherhood.
These activities not only celebrate mothers but also provide valuable learning experiences for children.
To wrap up, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s remember that nurturing wellness and involving our kids in the festivities can create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. Whether it’s through thoughtful gestures, fun activities, or simply spending quality time together, let’s cherish the opportunity to honor and appreciate the incredible mothers in our lives. May this day serve as a reminder of the love, care, and joy they bring into our homes every day. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!