With schools and almost everything else in South Florida still closed, moms deserve celebrating now more than ever. This year, make her Mother's Day one to remember.
Published: May 4, 2020
By: Jennifer Jhon
Forget the cute Mother’s Day cards and art projects the kids used to bring home from art class. This year, husbands, partners, sons and daughters will need to step up to show mom the love on her special day.
Go traditional: Since they aren’t made of paper, arrangements of flowers and chocolates are still in plentiful supply at a grocery store near you. But this year, go the extra mile and dress those chocolates up with a nice bottle (or two) of her favorite wine. After all, she’s likely been filling many more roles than usual in her home for a several months now, especially with little ones.
TP is the new vacuum. Yes, toilet paper is hard to come by, but don’t rely on a 12-pack of Charmin to get you into her good-gift graces. Yes, the 12-pack would be nice, but make that the frosting on the cake − something you pick up at the store in addition to the bouquet, favorite delicacy or (heck, yes) jewelry you got her.
The gift of girl time: While sheltering in place, time alone is hard to come by. Take the kids outside or to another part of the house, and give her a free pass to spend an hour or two with her friends on a virtual or voice call, without the guilt of knowing that her kids are destroying the house or destroying each other virtually via a video game while she chats away.
Arrange a furry online surprise: Liven up her Mother’s Day with a virtual animal meet-and-greet, either as a private video call or as a drop-in guest on an online meeting with her friends and family. The Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale is offering its popular Otter Encounter online, giving people an opportunity to schedule a behind-the-scenes otter visit with one of the museum’s zookeepers. Other creatures at the museum are also available for online visits. Call 954-713-0930 to schedule an animal encounter or email booking@mods.net. For virtual meetings, Jungle Island in Miami offers Zoo(m)eetings, Monkey Hangouts, Goat-To-Meeting and Flamingle Houseparties with Aldabra tortoises, Capuchin monkeys, goats and flamingos. For $100 fee, the animal of your choice can drop in on mom and her friends for a meeting not to be missed. Call 305-900-7118 or email jhauwelaert@jungleisland.com to coordinate your animal appearance.
Get crafty: Since you can’t rely on your child’s teacher or aftercare program to direct your kids in crafting amazing gifts this year, lead the craft charge yourself. Get the kids started now on cards and gifts to surprise her. Use the time while she’s in the shower or exercising this week to work with your little ones on a keepsake that she can enjoy for years to come. (Or use that time to shop online if crafting presents too much of a challenge. We understand.)
Buy dinner: What better way to support her and support her favorite restaurant than by ordering in dinner? She doesn’t have to cook or clean or do anything other than enjoy the meal − and dessert − you so thoughtfully have delivered to her front door.
Take her out: Some parks and boat ramps are open. If mom is up for some fresh air, pick up your meal, head for a nice open area with a picnic basket full of her favorites and enjoy some nature. Just be sure to observe the rules of social distancing as you choose a spot with plenty of open space around you and then serve mom a meal worth waiting for.
