Kiddipedia
(Yes, we’re getting personal. No, a box of chocolates doesn’t count for all five.)
Alright, Dad (or partner)—it’s time to step up your Mother’s Day game, and don’t worry—we’ve got your back.
Mother’s Day is all about celebrating the woman who wears a million hats. But let’s be honest: flowers and chocolates alone can’t fully express how much she means to you. This year, what if you gave her a gift that truly speaks to her heart? Enter: the Five Love Languages. Created by Dr. Gary Chapman, this concept helps decode the unique ways we all give and receive love.
You might think you already know what makes her feel loved, but odds are, her version of love looks a little different from yours. (You know, like actually reading this instead of just nodding along.)
So let’s make sure this Mother’s Day isn’t just another “meh” celebration. When you understand her love language, you can connect in a way that feels deeper, more meaningful, and unforgettable. Trust us, she’ll notice. And hey, if she happens to be reading this over your shoulder, you might already be off the hook for that last-minute gift scramble.
The Five Love Languages:
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- Words of Affirmation: She loves hearing how much she means to you, whether it’s through sweet compliments, kind words, or a heartfelt note.
- Acts of Service: Nothing says “I love you” like taking over a task she usually handles—whether it’s cooking dinner or managing the kids’ chaos (bonus points if you do it without her asking).
- Receiving Gifts: Thoughtful gifts show her that you’re paying attention to her likes and needs. It’s not about the price tag—it’s about the thoughtfulness behind it.
- Physical Touch: Hugs, kisses, or just holding her hand—simple gestures of physical closeness go a long way in making her feel loved and cherished.
- Quality Time: Put down the phone, turn off the TV, and give her your full attention. Whether it’s a deep conversation or just hanging out, this one is all about connecting without distractions.
1. Words of Affirmation: Let Her Know She’s Your Everyday Hero
Words have an incredible power—they can lift us up, heal wounds, and remind us of our worth. For some, words are not just nice to hear; they are essential to feeling loved and appreciated. If Mum’s primary love language is Words of Affirmation, she thrives on genuine, thoughtful praise and encouragement. So, how can you really show her that you see everything she does for the family?
What Dads Can Do:
- Write her a heartfelt letter: Write her a heartfelt note or letter. Not a text. A letter. The kind she’ll fold and keep in the back of a drawer for years. Tell her what she does that you don’t say thank you for enough: Think back to the countless things she does that you might take for granted. Write it all down in a heartfelt letter that goes beyond the typical “I love you.” Reflect on specific moments when she made a difference in your life and the family, like when she stayed calm in a crisis or when her patience was unwavering during a chaotic morning routine.Tell her what she does that you don’t say thank you for enough.
- The way she stays calm in chaos.
- The way she holds everyone together.
- The way her presence feels like home.
- Create a verbal affirmation list: Spend a few minutes telling her all the ways she’s exceptional, one by one. Speak about her qualities that might get overlooked, such as her ability to multitask seamlessly, her generosity, or her endless support for the family. Spend a few minutes telling her all the ways she’s exceptional. Call out the things that often go unacknowledged, such as:
- Her multitasking superpowers
- Her endless patience
- Her generosity and emotional strength
- The quiet ways she supports everyone, every single day
What Kids Can Do:
- Ask them for specific reasons they love Mum: “What’s your favourite thing Mum does for you?” “Why do you love her?” Let their answers guide them to create a little something special:
- A card with their own drawings and words of love (spelling mistakes included).
- A heartfelt voicemail or video where they share a favourite memory or simply express their love.
- Create a praise jar: Have the kids write down moments where Mum made them feel loved or proud, and put them in a jar she can read from anytime she needs a pick-me-up.
- Ask the kids to jot down little notes about times Mum made them feel happy, safe, proud, or loved
- Fold them up and place them in a jar she can open anytime she needs a little lift
2. Acts of Service: Give Her a Day Where She Doesn’t Have to Ask
For some mothers, actions speak louder than words. They want to feel supported and taken care of, especially when it comes to the everyday tasks that often go unnoticed. If Mum’s love language is Acts of Service, it’s all about showing her that you’re willing to lighten her load and take care of things without being asked.
What Dads Can Do:
- Take charge of the household: Imagine the relief she’d feel if she didn’t have to manage every detail.Take the mental load off her plate.
Don’t just “help” own it for the day. That means:- Plan meals for the day, clean up afterwards, and take care of the kids’ needs.
- Cleaning up (without a medal). Even the smallest of tasks, like folding the laundry, loading the dishwasher, or organising the kids’ toys, will go a long way.
- Managing the kids, their moods, and their mess.
- Offer a day of no decision-making: “You don’t have to think about anything today—I’ve got it covered.” You might tackle the grocery run, organise a family outing, or just handle the finances for the day.
What Kids Can Do:
- Tidy up without being asked: Let them surprise her by cleaning their rooms, organising their toys, tidy up without being asked or even helping out in the kitchen.
- Bring her a snack or a glass of water like she does for them. Even better, offer a “coupon book” of helpful gestures: A voucher book that promises things like “no complaining at dinner” or “helping with chores for a week” can be both fun and incredibly thoughtful.
3. Gifts: Make It Meaningful, Not Mass-Produced
It’s not about the price tag—it’s about the thought, the personalisation, and the effort behind the gift. For mothers whose primary love language is Gifts, the most meaningful presents are those that show you’ve listened and put thought into the item. A gift doesn’t have to be extravagant; it just needs to feel personal.
What Dads Can Do:
Think back to something she’s mentioned in passing?:
- A book she wanted but didn’t buy.
- A family photo she wanted framed.
- A personalised piece of jewellery with the kids’ names or birthstones.
Show her you listen.
Use these little hints as inspiration for a meaningful gift.
- Create something unique: If you can, make her something by hand—whether it’s a photo album, a scrapbook of family memories, or even a piece of custom jewellery that has sentimental value (birthstones, kids’ initials).
- The power of practical gifts: Think of something she’s been wanting but hasn’t purchased for herself, like a cozy throw blanket, a high-quality kitchen tool, or even a luxurious bathrobe.
What Kids Can Do:
- Handmade gifts win every time. Encourage the kids to make her something—whether it’s a painting, a clay sculpture, or a hand-drawn card with their favourite memory of her.
- Personalised gifts: Have them make a personalised keychain or a beaded bracelet with their names or a special message. Even something simple, like a handwritten “thank you” note, will have her cherishing it forever.
4. Physical Touch: Comfort Her, Like She Comforts You
Mothers are the givers of hugs, forehead kisses, back rubs – but who gives that to her?
For some mothers, nothing makes them feel more loved than physical touch. Hugs, hand-holding, and even a gentle kiss on the forehead can make all the difference. If Mum’s love language is Physical Touch, it’s important to express your affection through physical closeness and warmth.
What Dads Can Do:
- Simple, affectionate gestures: Take her hand while walking, give her a soft kiss on the forehead, or hug her for no reason other than to show your love.
- Hug her like you did before life got chaotic. Cuddle her when she least expects it: Don’t wait for a special occasion—simply snuggle up together on the couch or in bed and make it a moment to reconnect.Don’t just say “I love you.” Let your touch say:
“You are safe, held, and adored.”
- Surprise her with a back rub: This simple, thoughtful gesture will remind her of the nurturing care she provides for everyone else.
What Kids Can Do:
- Morning snuggles: Kids can give Mum a warm hug when they wake up, climb into bed with her for a few minutes of cuddles, or even offer a funny back rub.
- Affectionate moments throughout the day: Encourage them to show affection in little ways—holding her hand, sitting beside her, or offering a hug “just because.”
5. Quality Time: Give Her Your Presence, Not Just Your Presents
This one is golden – and free.
Time is one of the most precious gifts we can give. For mothers who value Quality Time, being truly present is the most meaningful way to show your love. It’s not about the quantity of time, but the quality of the connection you make during those moments.
What Dads Can Do:
- Be present, fully: Turn off your phone, put aside distractions, and focus entirely on her. Ask her how she’s really doing then genuinely listen to her answer. Make her a cup of tea and sit beside her. Be in the moment, with her, for her.
- Plan a day of togetherness: Whether it’s taking a walk, cooking dinner together, or just having a conversation over a cup of tea, make sure it’s a moment that’s all about her, without any interruptions.
- Create lasting memories: Plan a small family outing or a fun activity that she loves. The goal isn’t perfection, but creating an experience that both of you can cherish.
What Kids Can Do:
- Involve her in activities she enjoys: Whether it’s watching a movie she loves, playing a board game, or sitting down to read a book together, make sure to give her your full attention.
- Ask about her past: Encourage the kids to ask Mum about her childhood or her favorite memories. This can lead to heartfelt conversations and moments that create lasting bonds.
Pro Tip: Speak Her Love Language – Not Yours
It’s crucial to pay attention to what makes Mum light up. Is she overwhelmed when you do the dishes without being asked (Acts of Service)? Does she glow when the kids give her a handmade gift (Gifts)? Whatever makes her feel most cherished, lean into that love language to show her just how much you care.
One Last Thing (Read This Aloud to Her)
To the woman who remembers every birthday, packs every bag, fills every form, catches every emotion before it hits the floor:
You are not just the heart of the home.
You are the home.
The safe place. The steady hand. The soft landing.
You do more than anyone sees—and today, we see you.
You are the glue that keeps us all together, and you deserve to be celebrated not just today, but every day. We see the sacrifices, the love, and the care you pour into every single thing you do.
Today, we honour you. Not with flashy gifts or fancy meals (although those don’t hurt), but with love, with presence, with gratitude.
Happy Mother’s Day to the one who makes it all possible. We see you now—and we promise not to wait another 364 days to say it again.
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This Mother’s Day, let’s not just celebrate Mum, let’s truly
