Teen didn't do anything for Mother's Day

[Anonymous]

I prefer not to spend time with my kids on Mother’s Day - I need a break. We get back together for a lovely dinner out.

[Anonymous]

OP my Mother's Day request has always been no gifts but for the kids to make me a card. Thats it but something easy but thoughtful. My 15 year old son signed his name in a card my husband bought this year. I was a little bummed but let it go. Normal for the age.

[Anonymous]

My teenager sent me a text. It’s totally fine!

[Anonymous]

My DH came through with breakfast and a card and flowers from him and the kids.

I expected more from my kids tbh. They usually are good with stuff. But there has been teenage tension lately, and I’ve been a bit tough as a mom lately.

I know they love me though.

Later, I asked to go on a family picnic so that we could all unplug. There were bugs, but good food, a nice walk and a sunset.

Not ideal but close enough. I just wanted to spend time with them uninterrupted, which is precious time since they are getting older.

[Anonymous]

I tell my kids exactly what I want and keep it simple. I do not want or expect to do anything. I’m not his mother. I remind him to call his own mother.

I told them in advance I’d like to go out to breakfast and get takeout for dinner. I picked the places and we did exactly that. I have two teens.

[Anonymous]

Well, I had the opposite of PP. DD got me a card and a present (she's old enough to drive and paid for it herself). Card only from DH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I tell my kids exactly what I want and keep it simple. I do not want or expect to do anything. I’m not his mother. I remind him to call his own mother.

I told them in advance I’d like to go out to breakfast and get takeout for dinner. I picked the places and we did exactly that. I have two teens.

Would you think that you had to tell your 18 year old that she needed to wish you HMD before 7 pm when you reminded her?
Asking for a friend

[Anonymous]

They can't read your mind. Tell them that Mother's Day is coming up and give them a few suggestions for what you'd like. I raised my son by myself and now at age 20, he knows exactly what I like. He gave me tulips, a Japanese cherry blossom candle, and took me out for brunch. If your husband isn't going to do this, YOU do it. You really shouldn't be disappointed if your kid can't read your mind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I tell my kids exactly what I want and keep it simple. I do not want or expect to do anything. I’m not his mother. I remind him to call his own mother.

I told them in advance I’d like to go out to breakfast and get takeout for dinner. I picked the places and we did exactly that. I have two teens.

Would you think that you had to tell your 18 year old that she needed to wish you HMD before 7 pm when you reminded her?
Asking for a friend

If you want to her wish you HMD, remind her. Don’t get into the would, should, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My teenager sent me a text. It’s totally fine!

Mine too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I tell my kids exactly what I want and keep it simple. I do not want or expect to do anything. I’m not his mother. I remind him to call his own mother.

I told them in advance I’d like to go out to breakfast and get takeout for dinner. I picked the places and we did exactly that. I have two teens.

You are the mother of his children!

[Anonymous]

My teen son didn’t give me a card or make one. He didn’t give me a gift. He didn’t even wish me a happy Mother’s Day until about 4 PM and it was in a text asking me for something he needed. But it’s ok because every single day he expresses appreciation to me in some form with a thank you, I love you or a hug. I’m lucky to have such a sweet kid. My young adult son doesn’t do cards/gifts either but like his brother he always makes me feel appreciated. Meanwhile my young adult daughter took me to lunch and showered me with gifts which was awesome but it would have been ok if she hadn’t.

[Anonymous]

I told my teen on Saturday that I wanted him to help me clean the house as my gift on Mother’s Day. So he stayed home and made himself available for all chores all day long. He didn’t say HMD or give me a card, but he did give me exactly what I wanted.

[Anonymous]

I sent my 15 year old DD a link to Call Your Mother treats that I wanted. She said she'd rather make something. We settled on what she'd make. I wasn't sure on Sunday she remembered, but when I got up in the morning, she was already making them. Her younger brother didn't do anything, but gave me lots of hugs, which is becoming a rare treat. DH never does anything (and doesn't expect anything for Father's Day), and I anyway really think it's a mom/kids thing. However, he did make dinner, as he does about half the time anyway.

We've had plenty of Mother's Days when no one did anything. Having had those, this one felt very special.

TLDR: find ways to communicate what you want! I myself am terrible about reading people's minds, so I can appreciate not knowing what everyone else wants.