Write Your Mom a Letter This Mother's Day

Looking for a special way to show your mother you care this Mother’s Day? This year, go beyond simply signing a card and write your mother a real letter. Most of us have fallen out of the habit of writing letters, but a thoughtful letter from you will mean more to her than any store-bought card or gift ever could.

The first thing to remember is that you’re not writing a greeting card—you’re writing a letter in your own personal voice, expressing your own personal thoughts. There’s nothing your mom loves more than you, and she wants to hear your voice, not an imitation of someone else’s. Be yourself, and write about real things that matter to you.

But what exactly do you say?  Start by exploring some memories you have of your mother. What little—or big—things did she do that have stayed in your memory? Do you have happy memories of spending time with her? What did she teach you that you especially value now? What activities did you enjoy together? These don’t have to be life-changing events. Everyday things like learning to cook or garden can mean a lot. Was there a time she comforted you when you were upset? A piece of advice that has turned out to be important? A time she made a sacrifice for you? Your most cherished memories might be things your mother doesn’t even know you remember. Sharing those with her will mean the world to her. If you let your mother know the difference she has made in your life, your letter can be something that she will treasure forever.

            These dos and don’ts can help:
 
Do

• Take your time. Start early and give yourself a chance really to reflect and decide what you want to say.
  
  
• Be specific. Telling your mom she’s “generous” is nice; letting her know that you still remember the time she saved you the last Girl Scout cookie is even nicer. Telling her that she’s “amazing” is great; reminding her how thrilled you were with the costume she finished for you at 2:00 in the morning is even greater.

 

• Write in your own everyday voice; don’t feel you need to use poetic language.

 

• Say “thank you.” Even if you’re not a parent now yourself, as an adult you can understand how hard she worked to keep you safe and happy and to give you the opportunities you’ve had. You can never thank a mother enough, but at least you can start.

 
Don't

• Don’t worry that you’re “not a good writer.” You’re as good as you need to be!

 

• Don’t try to imitate the style of a greeting card. Write in your own natural voice.

 

• Don’t air any grievances in this letter. Mother’s Day isn’t the right occasion to hash out any problems you and your mother might have.

 

• Don’t put it in an e-mail. Invest in a nice card or writing paper, and write it out by hand. Your mother is definitely going to save this letter, so make it a physical rather than a digital object.

 
Don’t be shy about writing your mother a real, personal letter this Mother’s Day. Your mom loves everything you do. If she loved that macaroni and glitter collage you made, just imagine how much she’s going to love this letter. She might not tape it to the refrigerator, but you can be sure she’ll cherish it forever.