10 Things You Can Do To Show Your Mother You Care When You Can't Be With Her

Right now, we're living in strange times due to social distancing rules and self-isolation. Loved ones are separated. Even if your family lives up the block, you're not able to get together--at least not the way we used to before.

With Mother's Day coming up, now is even more important to let your mother know how precious she is to you. As self-isolation has separated loved ones from us, we found creative ways to show your appreciation, from a distance.

Here are 10 things you can do to show your mother you care during self-isolation:

1. Share a few of her favorite things

Maybe it’s a favorite album, bottle of wine, book, or movie. Send that to your mom and let all her kids and grandkids get together on video chat and maybe enjoy it together or discuss it. It’ll be a way of enjoying that special thing she loves together, even though this year you can’t physically be together.

2. Create a virtual storyboard

It can take many forms, too. I recently went on collage.com and created a mug for my mom for Mother’s Day customized with photos of her “kids” (the dogs!).

But the choices are not limited to mugs. You can create a poster, an online gallery, a photo blanket or even a tote bag. This personalized present is something she can see enjoy from wherever she is and remind her that she is loved. Bonus, it'll always stay with her.

3. Take the time to sit down and write her a letter

Not a text, not an email, but a real letter, written with your own hand. It’s personal and it’ll be something she treasures. You may also want to scent it with your perfume or add personal photos to make it extra special.

4. Take her to dinner

Now, obviously you can’t be doing that in real life, at a restaurant right now. But there are ways to bring the restaurant to her! Either order in from a local restaurant, or go to a website like Goldbelly.com, that has everything from NY-style pastrami to Chicago-style pizza available to be overnighted to her doorstop.

Other delivery services like Uber Eats, Skip The Dishes or Grub Hub can also deliver food right to her door. Many small businesses are struggling to keep afloat right now, so bonus point if you prioritize them. You can get the food to go and deliver it yourself if you prefer. Just make sure you leave it at the front door!

5. Bake her something

This is a classic that most mothers will uniquely appreciate. Whatever her favorite baked good is, make it and if you are close enough to her home, leave it at her front door.

Otherwise, pack it up well and mail it!

6. Make a donation to a cause that matters to her

Whether it's feeding the hungry or saving the rainforest, it'll be a thoughtful way to honor your mother and it'll mean more than some piece of jewelry. You can also personally ask her what charity she would like the donation to go to.

7. Plan a virtual zoom party!

This is a spin on the traditional call but have everyone meet on video with drinks and snacks to have a good time. You can even plan a Mother's Day brunch!

8. Sending flowers is always a good idea

You can order flowers online and have them delivered to her doorstep. If you are feeling adventurous, you can make a bouquet yourself and leave it on her doorstep.

9. Watch a movie together

Netflix has a cool party feature now that makes it possible for a group of people to watch the same movie at the same time. With a group chat feature included, it allows everyone to communicate at the sime time. While you are at it, you may want to prepare dinner and drinks and make an evening of it.

10. Plan a future visit

This will pass. You'll be together again soon. So plan that spa date or dinner date or even a trip. Having something to look forward to will help you get through this rough patch we're all in now!

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• Self-Quarantine Survival Guide: How To Make The Best Out Of Your Time At Home
• Before You Blame Self-Isolation For Your Relationship Issues, Do This
• What To Do And What Not To Do During Self-Isolation
• Self-Isolation As A Couple : Here Are 7 Helpful Tips To Get You Through It