WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR MOTHER’S DAY?
My research about the origins of Mother’s Day reveal that Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908, when a woman called Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in America. Anna then began a campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognised day in the United States. Although Anna was successful in 1914, it is thought she was already disappointed with its commercialisation by the 1920s. Mother’s Day continues to be celebrated all over the world.
It is such a special day, however have you ever noticed how retailers attempt to cash in on Mother’s Day?
I have to say, watching advertisements on TV and listening to jingles on the radio that use a variety of ‘subtle’ techniques designed to persuade dad and the kids to purchase a gift that will show mum how much they love her brings about a very strong reaction in me. Since when does a material item purchased from Myers, David Jones or a similar retailer represent the love and thanks a child has for their mother?
When our two children were growing up I had a request for Mother’s Day. I asked both my daughter and son to make, rather than buy cards or gifts for me. They are both in their twenties now and when they ask me what I would like for Mother’s Day I still request a something made by them, not bought by them. Also, I ask them to share with me some of one of the most precious things they have on Mother’s day, their time.
Over the years I have collected the most wonderful Mother’s Day treasures from my two, items that are far more precious to me than anything that could be purchased. My heart warms and fills to overflowing when I reread their beautiful words written on cards that were made by their small hands when they were so young. Even now, I look forward to my handmade and written Mother’s Day cards and if I am lucky we’ll share a picnic lunch. I don’t know for how much longer my grown up children will be happy to make me a card for Mother’s Day, my fingers are crossed that it will be for a long time yet!
My passion for creating something from the heart for loved ones spilled into my classroom in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day. Some treasures my young Preparatory students designed and created for their mother, grandmother or auntie on Mother’s Day included a book full of sentences about what they loved about their mum, a book of vouchers for their mum that included treats like a foot rub, a neck massage, extra cuddle time or breakfast in bed and a range of other handmade gifts designed to fill a mum’s heart with love …. and her eyes with happy tears.
If you have some classroom ideas for Mother’s Day that you would like to share, please do!
Tracey Hand
Co-Founding Director
Optimise Learning Australia
