10 Ways to Celebrate Your Grandchild's Mom

Whether she’s got a newborn, preschoolers or teens, Mother’s Day is a special time for your daughter or daughter-in-law — and an opportunity for you to let her know that she's doing a great job. A thoughtful gift, some kind words, or a big favor from a grandparent (babysitting, anyone?) is welcome anytime, but especially on the one day set aside to honor moms. Here are some ways you can celebrate her this year:

1. Acknowledge her.

On my first Mother’s Day, my baby Mathilda was 4 months old, and I was a sleep-deprived zombie, unsure of my mothering skills. So when my mother-in-law, who raised six kids, looked me in the eye and said, “Charlotte, you’re a wonderful mother,” it made my day. Frankly, it made my year. Those simple words were more meaningful than any box of chocolates.

2. Give her an hour or two. (Or five.)

Sometimes, the most precious gift a young mom can receive is time away from the baby. Debbie Priestley, 52, of Darlington Township, Pa., often takes her 19-month-old grandson Layne, so her daughter, Stephanie Burchett, 26, can enjoy some well-deserved R&R. “Cards and gifts are nice,” she says. “But I feel like the best thing I can give her for Mother’s Day is a few hours to herself.”

3. Open up your jewelry box.

Find some earrings, a necklace, or a pin she’s admired in the past — it doesn’t have to be expensive. “For daughters and especially daughters-in-law, the gift of something as personal as jewelry underscores that she’s part of the family,” says social psychologist Susan Newman, Ph.D. “It shows how much you value her.”

4. Support her cause.

Making a contribution to her favorite charity, or one that fits with her priorities, shows that you've been listening, that you take her seriously, and that you applaud her social consciousness. Some to consider are Heifer International, where $20 buys a flock of chicks for an impoverished family, or GlobalGiving, which offers a Mother’s Day giving menu of ten projects focusing on women and children around the world.

5. Cook for her with the kids.

Angela Drinkwater, 41, of Greenport, N.Y., is thrilled that her extended family celebrates Mother’s Day together, especially when her 10-year-old twins, Matthew and John, bake for her with her mother, 77-year-old Florence Androulidakis. “The boys love learning to make Greek cookies with her,” she says. “It really keeps the family traditions alive.”

6. Get her on the cell.

Elizabeth Heller, 68, always calls her daughter, Sally Shields, author of The Daughter-In-Law Rules, early in the morning on Mother’s Day. “She beats me to the punch, every time,” says Shields, 41, of Belmont, Mass. “But I love getting that call — it’s a wonderful way to start the holiday!”

7. Commit to exercising together.

Maybe she’s trying to lose baby weight. Maybe you’ve been looking for a walking partner. Either way, it’s a win-win: Offer to work out together and you'll both get more fit and strengthen your bond.

8. Offer a spring cleaning.

Make her life, or one part of it, a little easier with a gift certificate for a housecleaning — try an environmentally friendly service such as Maid Brigade's Green Clean Certified group. Not only will you give her the amazing gift of a clean, shiny house, you’ll limit pollution from toxic chemicals.

9. Compile a memory book.

A small photo album of your daughter’s childhood (or your son’s, for a daughter-in-law) is a priceless gift. “The message is that you trust her to preserve family history,” Newman says. “And your grandkids will laugh as they look at pictures of their parents as children!”

10. Say it with flowers.

When in doubt, look to a florist, says Shields, mom to 6-year-old Lara and 2-year-old Lorenzo. “All moms love receiving flowers on Mother’s Day,” she says. “Even a handpicked bunch of daisies from the garden is a wonderful way for grandparents to let moms know you’re thinking about them.”