There is nothing quite like mommy and me time. No matter how old you get, it’s an important bond to nurture. As we’ve brought up before at Her Mind, mothers play an important role in their children’s lives, as teachers, caretakers, and overall role models. For some, it’s an easy task to stay involved. For others, due to distance, workload, or just the chaos of everyday life, that relationship may not get as much attention as it used to. This is why Mother’s Day is so important. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect, and honor the women that we love, be they mothers, friends, wives, or daughters.
It doesn’t take much. While there are plenty of dinner specials and organized activities worth attending [some listed below], the truth is that any form of one-on-one time is significant. You don’t need to spend a lot of money, or any money at all, to get a lot out of your Mother’s Day experience. Here are just a few ways to further your connection with mom on May 8.
- Tackle a Pinterest Craft
Let’s face it, we’re not all artists, but there’s something about the glossy photo of a finished Pinterest project that makes us feel like it’s possible to come out on top. Some of us are more confident in our skills, and regularly take on other pinners’ ideas. Then, there are those of us who look, and re-pin, without any intention to take action— until today. Whether mom has been lusting after a particular piece of string art, or you’ve been hoping to DIY some organizational tools, we’ve got a feeling your art endeavor will be a lot more fun, and maybe even more successful, with mom by your side. Not only will you be making memories while making the craft, but once the day is over, the finished project will be a pretty cool memento.
- Enjoy a Spa day
Who doesn’t love a little pampering? Mom certainly deserves it, and it is the ideal setting to bring more than one generation of the family together. If you’ve got a child who has never had a nail salon visit, consider making the trip with grandma too! Or, if this is an adult only party, kick things up a notch with a location that offers facials, massages, and more! Turf Valley (2700 Turf Valley Road) in Ellicott City offers spa packages for every occasion, including a Mini Day Package featuring two of the following: a 60-minute Swedish massage, a 60-minute body treatment or a 60-minute European facial. The package also includes lunch! We feel more relaxed just thinking about it, and we’re sure mom will too! Haven on the Lake (10275 Little Patuxent Parkway) in Columbia offers some more unique soothing selections like acupuncture and body wraps. There is also an interactive play area for children to enjoy while you unwind. Finally, Somerford Place (8220 Snowden River Parkway), also in Columbia, is the perfect location to bring an aging parent for a day of bonding. Their facility is specially designed for individuals with memory loss, as it regularly houses residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. If your mother has unique needs, consider bringing her here for a special spa experience.
- Walk Through Nature
Sometimes the most treasured moments are spent simply enjoying each other’s company. Nothing needs to be said, and only the pure joy of your mom’s presence next to you needs to be appreciated. It’s easy to lose focus of the little things that matter when there’s so much going on day to day. In the peaceful surroundings of nature, that physical closeness becomes so much more apparent, and it’s as important as any detailed conversation. You could take a walk through a local park, like Patapsco (8020 Baltimore National Pike) or Centennial, or through a more structured environment like a garden at the Howard County Conservancy (10520 Old Frederick Road). On the Saturday before Mother’s Day, The Conservancy is hosting a “Tea, Scones and Gardens” event featuring bottomless tea and time together at the cost of only $5 per person, or $10 per family. For much less than the cost of brunch, you can nourish both your stomach and soul.
- Share an Intimate Meal
If your tummy is still grumbling after spending time in the Great Outdoors, you can return to civilization for a yummy meal and meaningful dialogue. Once you’ve spent time appreciating mom’s presence, you may come to realize there’s a lot you don’t know about her. What hasn’t she told you over the years? What haven’t you told her? A popular conversation starter has been making its away around the Internet called, “36 Questions.” It’s designed to foster closeness between two people, frequently in romantic relationships, but who’s to say you can’t use it to get closer to your mom? While you’re diving in to a deep discussion, you can also dive into delicious food at one of the restaurants in our latest issue of Her Mind magazine.
