As a dad, there are few things more important to me than teaching my kids how to appreciate the people they love—especially their mom. She's the glue that holds us all together, the one who always remembers the small details, and the person who gives so much of herself without ever asking for anything in return. But sometimes, kids (and let’s be honest, even adults) need a little encouragement to show appreciation. Over the years, I’ve found some creative ways to inspire my kids to honor their mother, and I’d love to share them with you. Hopefully, they’ll spark a few ideas for your family too.
1. Lead by Example
Kids are sponges. They soak up everything they see, hear, and feel. That’s why the first step in teaching them to honor their mom is by modeling that behavior myself. I make a point to openly appreciate her in front of the kids. Whether it’sthanking her for cooking an amazing meal, complimenting how she handled a stressful situation, or just giving her a random hug and saying, “You’re incredible,” I want my kids to see that honoring someone is about the little everyday moments, not just grand gestures.
When they witness me treating her with respect and admiration, it plants the idea that this is the baseline for how we treatthe people we care about. It’s not just about words either—actions matter just as much. I try to pitch in where I can, whether that’s taking over bedtime routines when she’s had a long day or surprising her with something she loves. Kids pay attention to these things, and they start to mimic them in their own ways.
2. Handmade Gifts with Heart
One of my favorite traditions is encouraging the kids to make handmade gifts for their mom. Sure, we could always buy something pretty, but there’s something so special about a gift that comes straight from the heart. I usually sit down with them and brainstorm ideas. Maybe it’s a hand-drawn picture, a scrapbook filled with memories, or even a little poem they’ve written. I’ll help where needed, but I try to let their creativity take the lead.
For Mother’s Day one year, we created a “coupon book” filled with things like “One Free Hug,” “Breakfast in Bed,” and“No Complaining for a Whole Day.” It didn’t cost us a dime, but she loved it because it came from their imagination and effort. Plus, they had fun coming up with ideas, and it gave them a sense of pride to see how much it meant to her.
3. Share Stories About Her
Kids love stories, and one way I inspire them to honor their mom is by sharing stories about her—both from before they were born and after. I tell them about the time she stayed up all night making Halloween costumes because they’d asked last minute, or how she was the one who came up with the idea for our epic family camping trip. I also share stories from when we were younger, like how we met or how she used to bake cookies for her neighbors just because she wanted to make their day better.
These stories remind the kids that their mom isn’t just “Mom”—she’s an amazing person with her own history, talents, and quirks. It helps them see her as someone to admire and appreciate beyond just the role she plays in their lives.
4. Create a “Mom Celebration” Day
We all know about Mother’s Day, but who says you can’t create your own random “Mom Celebration” day? One weekend, I surprised the kids by telling them we were going to spend the entire day celebrating Mom, just because. We started by making her breakfast in bed (a slightly chaotic but hilarious endeavor), followed by writing her little notes about what we love most about her.
Then, we let her pick what she wanted to do for the day—whether that was going out for a walk, watching her favorite movie, or just having a couple of hours to herself while we cleaned up the house. The idea wasn’t about buying her things or doing anything grand; it was about dedicating the day to showing her how much she means to us. The kids loved it, and she was blown away by the thoughtfulness.
5. Teach Through Acts of Service
One of the best ways to show love is through acts of service. I try to teach my kids this by encouraging them to look for ways they can make their mom’s life easier. Maybe that means cleaning up their toys without being asked, helping to set the table, or even just giving her a break when she needs one. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking, “What can I do to help Mom today?”
To make it more fun and engaging, we’ve turned it into a little game. Each week, we pick one small “mission” to secretly do something nice for her. It could be folding the laundry, putting flowers on her desk, or organizing her bookshelves. They get so excited to see her reaction, and it helps them understand that honoring someone isn’t just about words—it’sabout action.
6. Celebrate Her Passions
Another way I inspire my kids is by encouraging them to celebrate the things that make their mom unique. If she loves gardening, we’ll spend an afternoon planting flowers together as a surprise. If she’s passionate about music, we’ll create a playlist of her favorite songs and have a little family dance party. The key is to show them that honoring someone alsomeans appreciating and supporting their interests.
One year, the kids and I made her a little “Mom’s Favorites” box. Inside, we put her favorite snacks, a few of her go-to skincare products, and even a handwritten list of her favorite sayings that we always hear her repeat. It was a hit because it showed her that we see and value the little things that make her who she is.
7. Encourage Gratitude
Gratitude is something I try to instill in my kids every day, and it plays a big role in helping them honor their mom. At dinner, we’ve started a tradition where everyone shares one thing they’re grateful for that day. I always try to highlight something their mom did—whether it’s making their favorite meal or helping them with a school project—so they start to notice all the ways she shows her love.
Over time, I’ve noticed that they’re starting to do this on their own. I’ll catch them saying thank you for things they used to take for granted, like driving them to their soccer practice or helping them with homework. It’s a simple practice, but it goes a long way in fostering appreciation.
8. Let Them Take the Lead
Sometimes the best way to inspire kids is to let them come up with their own ideas. I’ll ask them, “What do you think we could do to make Mom feel special?” Their answers always surprise me. One time, they decided to put on a little “Mom Appreciation Show,” complete with songs, jokes, and even a handmade trophy. Another time, they planned a picnic in the backyard with all her favorite foods.
By letting them take the lead, they feel more invested in the process, and it becomes something they genuinely enjoy doing. Plus, it gives them the chance to be creative and thoughtful in their own unique ways.
As a dad, one of the greatest joys is seeing my kids grow into kind, caring individuals who know how to honor the people they love. It’s not about grand gestures or expensive gifts—it’s about teaching them to notice, appreciate, and celebrate the little things that make their mom so incredible. Whether it’s through handmade gifts, acts of service, or simply justcsaying thank you, there are countless ways to inspire kids to show their love. And in the process, you’ll create memories that your family will cherish forever.
