What mothers really want
Pic by sxc.huKUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — It's common to find articles about places to eat for Mothers' Day or presents for your mother on that special celebration but have you ever wondered what mothers really want? From past experiences, my mom was always appreciative of my gifts but she will say, "Aiyah, girl. Don't waste money on gifts. As long as my children are happy, that's the best Mother's Day gift." That's my mom for you, the selfless woman who always puts her family's happiness first and regards material things as secondary. I know it is clichéd to say I have the best mom in the world, but who doesn't think their mom is the best?
This Mother's Day, let's find out what mothers really want from their children. That way, you will know what she wants although I'm very sure what she wants is your happiness.
Mrs Bah is a working mother with two children who are still studying. Her eldest daughter is studying abroad while her son is in secondary school. For her, she doesn't demand material things from her children because she knows they are not working.
"Sometimes an SMS or a handmade card with touching words is enough for me. Last year, my eldest daughter had a temporary part-time job and so she surprised me with a family dinner. That was a special Mother's Day for me," she said.
"Of course, if my kids became rich, I wouldn't mind a diamond ring," she joked.
Surprisingly, most of the mothers I spoke to never wished for a particular material item. We've got birthday wishlists... I wonder if there are Mother's Day wishlists?
Speaking to a young mother, I realised sometimes a tiny gesture from her bundle of joy is a priceless gift that money cannot buy.
"Fung Fung is not even a year old yet so I've got no expectations. Maybe for him to learn how to kiss and give me a proper kiss," said Huei Song, who gave birth to Fung Fung nine months ago.
I found that very sweet - I'm sure babies are best at tugging their mother's heartstrings with just a little wave, a smile or just simply calling their mothers "Mummy".
And you know these "gifts" are definitely something the mother cherishes and remembers even after the child has grown up.
A mother to four-year-old Naomi Chow and nine-month-old Kenji Chow, Crystal Loo is also a working mom who appreciates family time as a Mother's Day gift.
Her ideal Mother's Day would be a massage in the morning, lunch time with the kids in the afternoon and watching movies with the family at night.
These simple but enjoyable pleasures in life are affordable and does not break a bank. Also, you get to enjoy it with the whole family and dad can also celebrate together.
Eight-month-old Natalie Ti is very lucky to have Roger and Sarah Ti as parents. Both Roger and Sarah are working but they take turns to take care of baby Natalie.
Roger plans to celebrate Sarah's first Mother's Day by finding a babysitter to take care of Natalie in the evening while he cooks dinner for the family or plan a pleasant evening for the whole family to relax and unwind. He will ensure that Sarah has enough rest and he will assume the baby duties for the day.
Sometimes it's great to plan Mother's Day with your dad. Dads know their wives better and if dad managed to impress your mom before they got married, I'm sure he knows what your mom likes.
Patricia Wong is a new mother, she just gave birth to baby Keith Calvin two months ago. She works as an IT executive and makes handmade soap under the label Lulla Belle.
"What I like about being a mother is seeing the newborn. You can really forget all the unhappiness and things that upset you when your baby smiles. Even though my baby is only two months old, every morning when I call his name he will smile at me. This is the gift that my baby boy Keith gave me," said Wong with a smile.
Money can't buy you happiness, as they always say. Personally, when it comes to mothers I guess material things are not as important as a hug, an honest compliment or a goodnight kiss.
All these gestures do not cost a sen but are priceless. But don't wait till Mother's Day to say "I love you, Mummy." Hugs, kisses and "I love yous" should be given generously on a regular basis. Now to think about it, I guess my mom is right. As long as I'm happy, that's the best gift to her. And she should know that if she is happy, I'm happy as well.
To all mothers and mothers-to-be, have a Happy Mother's Day!
