Parenting Pointers: Create Meaningful Moments on Mothers' Day - Wherever You Are

Mother’s Day is a time for mom to relax and enjoy the day with her children. But, mom’s expectations may fall short this year. According to a new global study of Skype users conducted by Idea Lab for Microsoft, more than half (58%) of moms surveyed expect to see their children in-person, but less than half (44%) of children actually share the same plans. And, more than half (58%) of grandchildren will not see their grandmother in person. If you can’t be with your mom, grandma, stepmom or the other mother-figures in your life on Mother’s Day, you’ll need a good ‘game day’ strategy with thoughtful ways to honor these important women. 

Skype teamed up with internationally-recognized parenting expert, Babble blogger and busy mom of two Jeannette Kaplun to create “The Ultimate Mother’s Day Playbook”

·         Send a video message instead of a traditional greeting card. Skype makes it super easy to personalize your feelings. The best part is that mom doesn’t have to be online at that moment, and it’s a gift that can be played over and over again. It’s also super practical with young children – you can record a video message when they are full of energy, rather than hoping they’ cooperate when you finally reach your mom.

·         Enlist your kids to help out. Since younger kids don't always like to speak, have them sing a song. Use the Skype app on your Smart TV to do a video call, and have your kids do a special dance routine to their favorite music for grandma. If you don’t own a Smart TV, simply use your tablet, smartphone or computer.

·         Take a virtual walk down memory lane. Create a photo album of special moments you’ve spent with your mom, grandma, stepmom, etc. Upload and share it on OneDrive , then reminisce together on a voice or video call.

·         Plan a group video surprise. If you have a large family, surprise grandma by planning a group video call with your siblings and cousins at a specific time. This way, she gets to see all the people she loves.

·         Don’t forget stepmoms! Call early in the day so your stepmom knows she’s a priority, too. Share a special memory you have of the time you have spent with her and tell her how much she means to you. We often forget to tell them.  

·         Tips for dads. Mother’s Day can be challenging if you need to split time between your mom and the mother of your children. Rather than a store-bought greeting card, create a personalized one just for mom with special photos of you together. Share the file with her via IM while you are video chatting, and watch her surprise. You can also send a Skype gift card so it’s easy for mom connect with you on Mother’s Day, and any day.

About Jeannette Kaplun

Award-winning journalist and internationally recognized parenting expert, Jeannette Kaplun is the founder of  HispanaGlobal.net where she shares tips about parenting, beauty, fashion, travel, technology . Fluent in English and Spanish, she has been a resource for Good Morning America, CNN Latino, Univision and the Associated Press among other top-tier media outlets.  Jeannette’s ‘mamifesto’ blog is featured on Babble, and she was a key speaker at the White House as part of LATISM’s “Top Blogueras” retreat.