Mother’s Day is one of those special occasions that can baffle dads and teachers when it comes to helping kids prepare something unique for Mom. Be careful to keep the activity simple and totally the work of the child. The overriding purpose is that the activity/project provide for an emotional touch by their child’s own “hands.” Consider one or more of these:
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Encourage children to “make” with their hands the Mother’s Day gift of their choice. This can include drawings, paintings, pottery…most anything made by the children’s hands, NOT the teacher’s!
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Invite children to “write” with their own hands a love note. Some of Mom’s most treasured keepsakes can be handwritten notes and letters. Suggest that the child decorate an envelope in which to place the note. Including one of Mom’s favorite Bible verses is a meaningful addition.
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Provide an opportunity for the child to create a project with his/her handprints. These can be traced handprints, cutout silhouettes of hand prints glued onto paper or card stock with additional drawings/dates/notes or even handprint impressions on plaster of paris molds.
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Help the child gather the necessary ingredients for a surprise breakfast, snack, or meal. Many kids will like to create and cook up a special treat for Mom.
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Plan a week full of “secret” acts of kindness. Kids can make a list of one action a day the week before Mother’s Day to show love. Suggest that the child place a note with an “I love you” expression or a Bible verse close to the spot of kindness — cleaning his/her room, a small vase of hand-picked flowers, a cold bottle of water with a note, making a bed, watering plants, and so on.
And don’t forget Mom’s absolute favorite … a hug for no reason at all!
Jerry Vogel serves as a Childhood Ministry Specialist in LifeWay Church Resources. He is married to Janie and has four children and twelve grand kids. Jerry is a member of Brentwood Baptist Church and teaches preschoolers there. He is committed to enriching the lives of those who teach kids as well as making eternal investments in the lives of children.
