Early Morning Mother’s Day Surprise May Disappoint
Lesson 22: Cold Reception for Cold Cereal
It’s that time of year again where men everywhere cringe because they have no idea how to celebrate Mother’s Day or what kinds of niceties would acknowledge the work mothers do. Roses? Candy? Cleaning the house? A nice letter? When we first got married I didn’t do anything for my wife because she wasn’t a mother. I quickly learned that somehow in her mind and by the world’s definition she was a mother and needed to be recognized. Mother’s Day hasn’t gotten easier over the years, and I am still confused about what we are supposed to be doing, but I have learned a few things.
Wife Lesson 22: A bowl of cereal at 7:15 in the morning is not a great Mother’s Day tradition.
Last year I decided to let my kids choose what to do for Mother’s Day. I thought this would keep me in the clear if the idea was lousy. After all, it wasn’t mine! The kids woke up at 6:30 am and I went down to watch them so my wife could sleep. At around 7 am the kids said they wanted to serve their mom breakfast in bed.
“Good idea,” I told them. “What should we make?”
They insisted on Honey Bunches of Oats cereal. No big mess, no cooking, and low fat. “Great idea,” I said. At 7:15 am we the bowl of cereal up to my wife while she was sleeping. She opened her eyes and smiled at the kids. Then she looked at the clock. Then she saw me holding the bowl of cereal. I was smiling because I knew she would think the cereal was on the ridiculous side, but I thought I could get away with her thinking it was cute because the kids thought of it.
“What are you doing up here so early?” she wondered.
“We were bored,” was the only explanation I could offer. We spent the rest of the morning watching cartoons on the bed with her. Needless to say, she was pretty annoyed.
Normally I don’t learn from these lessons, but the other day our oldest said, “Daddy, what should we make mommy for breakfast for Mother’s Day?” I let him pick and he said, “How about Crunchy Nuggets?” (imitation Grape Nuts) We decided something a little more elaborate would be in order.
My suggestion: As usual, stick with conventional gifts and ideas to stay out of trouble. Hot breakfast in bed (but not before 9 am), a little getaway, a day off from cleaning, or a homemade present are all safe ways to recognize your wife. And for those of you way out there – NO – recreating your first child’s birth with a few plastic bags, an extension cord, and some strawberry sauce is also not a good idea to celebrate motherhood. Believe me!
7 Responses to “Early Morning Mother’s Day Surprise May Disappoint”
I never asked The Donkey to recognize me on Mother’s Day before I was a mother (although that is a fine idea). He is getting mixed up about the first Mother’s Day when I was pregnant and I suggested that perhaps we should celebrate the holiday. You can imagine what he thought about that idea…
By The Wife on May 7, 2008
you know… i don’t think that it’s only the donkey that struggles with this… i still don’t know what to get my own mother on mother’s day! i hope this makes me more sympathetic when it’s my hubby’s turn!
By bella on May 7, 2008
As a mother with older children, I can say that I appreciate that the “kids” thought of something on their own (and not because their dad called them that morning and said “Don’t forget to call your mom today!”). It doesn’t have to be much. A card suffices because I don’t get very many or just something little. Or if they’re in town, going to church with me. It truly is the thought that counts–just something that says you weren’t too busy to remember.
By Jane on May 7, 2008
I have to admit that I’m not a big fan of breakfast in bed, AT ALL. A cuppa tea is fine but I prefer to eat my breakfast at the table. I hate CRUMBS in the bed. AND balancing something on my lap.
Copious amounts of chocolate and some flowers though and I’m in heaven…. Should I send my husband here to get the hint?????
By Lightening on May 7, 2008
I am boycotting Mothers Day for my wife
By Recondo on May 7, 2008
For gifts I like anything heartfelt that shows you put at least some effort and thought into it. If it can make me laugh or feel loved, that’s the best. If my husband brought home store bought flowers and a box of heart shape chocolates for a holiday I’d find it boring and too easy. Just like I’d never buy him a tie or underwear or boring necessities. When a person gets a gift it should make them feel good and happy, like the giver appreciates them and notices the little things they like or something they can have fun with.
I like a nice getaway or if there isn’t time for that, a hike or daytrip.
My husband tells me I’m easy to buy for, because little things please me…bath stuff, stationery, pj’s, games, my favorite chocolates.
One thing I love and it doesn’t cost a penny is a really good massage from him. Run me a bubble bath and give me a good massage and I’m in heaven.
By Shannon on May 8, 2008
I don’t know why husbands have to get their wives anything for Mother’s day. I think they should only be responsible to get their own mothers something.
The kids should be responsible for Mother’s day. If the kids are small then Dad can help out, but it should be their idea and initiative and Mom should like it what ever it is. If cereal in the morning is what the kids want to do then that is a cute idea and Mom should like it. I think it is bad for the little one’s self esteem to have their idea for a gift rejected by Mom and have her angry with Dad to boot. Sheesh!
Next time eat the fake grape nuts, smile, and thank the kids for their thoughtfulness. In time they will get jobs and give better gifts.
By karlmalone on May 11, 2008