Ask any mom who still has kids living in the house — she is dying for a break. Especially now, when most family members are sheltering in place, moms are juggling everything. This can be taxing, even without pandemic problems.

In fact, researchers at Arizona State University found that 90% of women with at least one child (and a partner) felt solely responsible for household management. This responsibility was also linked to feelings being overwhelmed. Whether or not you live at home with your mother, you have a mother or know a mother, chances are high that she feels overwhelmed.

Even if you can’t ease her burdens or take away her responsibilities, showing you notice her hard work and acknowledge her efforts goes a long way. Ahead of Mother’s Day and in the middle of a difficult societal shift, try these few ways to show a mother you know that you appreciate her.

Mom’s day off

Even though a mother is never off duty, give her a day off of sorts. While she might not be able to leave the house for a shopping spree or dinner out, make dinner for her. Take care of the household chores for the day. Watch the kids so she can go for a jog around the block. Do what you can given yours and her circumstances.

In a normal, post-pandemic world, volunteer to watch the kids for a day and let her do whatever she wants. The idea is to help her feel grounded and less overwhelmed, so don’t judge her if knocking a few errands off of her to-do list is how she uses her free time!

Give her the essentials to get comfortable

Moms don’t always get a lot of down time or time to recharge their batteries. It may be difficult to find time for spa treatments or even the occasional haircut. And yet, giving the gift of comfort doesn’t have to be that complicated.

Especially right now while many places are closed, you can set your mom or a mom up for a relaxing afternoon in. Get her a pedicure kit, a soothing bath bomb, and a cozy blanket to snuggle up in.

Let her friends tell her

If you have any video editing skills, even rudimentary skills, you can put together a video of her friends and family expressing their appreciation for her. Have them film a selfie-style video explaining all of the reasons they love and appreciate her. Combine the best parts into a video and send it to her.

It’s something she can treasure for the rest of her life — and it’s not something she has to find a place for in the house.

Show her you treasure the memories

Along that same line of thinking, put some time and effort into highlighting your favorite memories together. This could look like a photo album (digital or a hard copy), an audio journal of you telling your favorite stories, or even a video collage of images.

While most mothers love being a mother, it can be hard to remember the fun times when she’s cleaning up the same mess for the fourth time in one hour. Make her a reminder that she can turn to remember all of the moments she never wants to forget.

Clean the house

One of the best ways to show appreciation to a mom — especially your own — is to do one of the things she normally has to do every day. Nothing makes you appreciate someone more than filling in and taking over their responsibilities. Since most moms can claim house cleaning as part of their never-ending chore list, take that off her plate.

Tidying up is always appreciated, but take it a step further. Vacuum every room in the house, clean out the refrigerator, scrub the tubs and clean up the little things you know she’ll notice. To make sure you’re doing it right, check out some expert tips from local cleaners.

This is something you can do this any time — not just during a quarantine when it’s convenient.

Let her sleep

A Parenting.com survey says that sleep is the No. 2 most wished for Mother’s Day gift, but many moms would tip the charts and put sleep as number one. If young kids are still in the picture, get up with them before they even wake her with a "mommy, I’m hungry."

Most moms can attest to the fact that they haven’t slept well since they brought baby home from the hospital. While you can’t take mom worry away, give her the chance to catch up on some rest. Watch a movie with the kids, take them for a walk or even take a nap at the same time!

Carve out some face time

For older children or even grown adults with families of their own, mothers want little else than to know their children are doing well. Instead of sending her call to voicemail or promising to FaceTime later, answer the call. Even better, initiate the call.

Listening to your mom and talking with her even once a week helps her know you care and appreciate her — even if she’s not tying your shoes and making your dinner anymore. Tell her you love her and appreciate her often.

Give your mom the ultimate cozy afternoon with an adult-sized Minky Couture blanket. Each blanket can be customized to be as individual as the mom you’re showing appreciation for. Browse the whole selection on their website, and make sure to order now for Mother’s Day.

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