Oftentimes, we don't appreciate the amount of work that a mom does until we become one ourselves. Moms are very often tired, stressed out, and overworked — but they try not to show it. In families, it's all too common for the emotional labor to fall onto moms. And time after time, they prove they're able to take on the mental load.
Mom friends are often the only people who understand. While moms come in all shapes and sizes, they also often have a lot of empathy. They, too, know that their hard work often goes unnoticed.
That's why it's always important to celebrate your mom squad. Show them that they're special and that their friendship means the world to you. Here are some fun ways to showcase your love and dedication and really make their month better.
Start a Fun Monthly Email Newsletter
If you have a core group of friends, putting together a newsletter may be a fun and hilarious way to keep tabs on all of them. Once a month, publish an e-newsletter with all of the happy news the group can share. Keep people connected by adding photos, birthday reminders, and even group hangout reminders. Stay positive and cheery, and make sure to put a spotlight on every mom who "subscribes."
Send Them Sweet Cards in the Mail
Not only will you support your friendships, but you'll help support the postal service. Make your letters or notecards as fun and sparkly as you want. Just because you're moms doesn't mean you can't unleash your inner tween. Add stickers, and don't forget to tell them "LYLAS" at the end of the card.
Set Up a Zoom Chat Every Month
Sure, the world is opening up again, but Zoom still has a great purpose — especially if some members of your mom squad happen to be long distance. Once a month, make a point to meet up, sip some wine (or seltzer water, depending on how you feel), and catch up. Talk about celebrity gossip or just updates from your friend group. Have a good time from the comforts of your own home.
Plan an Annual Vacation Together Month by Month
Everyone needs a vacation right now. And, good news — you can even try to bring the kids. If you have a solid and supportive group, you can spend each month planning a big vacation for everyone to celebrate together. You can even split up responsibilities among friends. For example, maybe one friend is great at booking hotels and finding deals. And perhaps another friend is more of a foodie and can create a list of great eateries to try. By checking in with each other each month, you'll all have something big to look forward to.
Book Group Massages
What better way to celebrate your mom squad than with a spa day? Sometimes, moms have a hard time scheduling self-care. By booking a group appointment, you're helping give them permission to relax a little. It can be a lot of fun. You can go somewhere locally and grab lunch afterward or turn it into a full Saturday plan. Just make sure that it'll fit into everyone's schedules ahead of time.
Treat for Coffee
There's nothing kinder than the words "my treat." It shows that you appreciate someone and that you legitimately want them to enjoy their beverage.
Moms don't often get a lot of gifts. But they do buy a lot of things for their kids and usually make sacrifices when it comes to purchases. For example, a mom might not treat herself to an ice cream if she knows it would make the kids upset to not be included. So something as simple as treating for coffee once a month is special in its own way. Your friend will feel like you truly value them, which you do.
Share Photos on Instagram
Next time it's #TBT or #FBF, consider posting some pictures of you and your mom friends. It's always nice to be nostalgic over old memories, and it'll also give you a great platform to pay some respect. Sweet captions like "Becky's always been there for me, and I'm so grateful to have her as a friend" will go a long way. If Becky's having a tough day, that tag will change everything around. It should never be awkward to share love and showcase people who really make a difference in your life.
Share Stories on Facebook
Facebook has been around for so long that it's a wonderful place for memories. Chances are, you've checked out the "Memories" feature quite a bit. Feel free to reshare pictures of your mom squad, or even share new ones from today. But also, share stories.
Find a friend you love and tell the story of how you met. Tell them what a big impact they've made in your life. Each month, find someone new to put in the spotlight. It shows that you care about making connections and can appreciate people for who they are. These posts will also serve as keepsakes for the future.
Text Them a Compliment Whenever You Think of One
Maybe it's Abigail's timeliness when it comes to getting back to you. Or perhaps Kara has been a huge support when it's come to distance learning. Whatever it is, it's something that sets them apart from everyone else. Whenever you have a compliment to give a friend, don't hold back. That sincere act of kindness can go a long way. It can also tell your friend that you appreciate them for who they are.
These small acts of kindness can often be game changers. And they're absolutely free. Try sending one right now, and see what happens.
