Mother's Day Card: Help a Child Write a Poem

The very first Mother's Day was celebrated in 1907 in a little church as a celebration to honor just one woman's mother. Seven years later President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day a national holiday. Now at the beginning of May we celebrate Mother's Day every year. Of course the details and history don't interest a little one who just wants to give mommy a card made "all by myself", or the older child who wants to make a special card for mom.

There are so many cards out there to choose from in the store, but what does mom want the most from her own child? She probably wants a card that has meaning, words that speak to her heart from her own child's heart. So how does a child create a personal card? A little help from you is all he or she needs.

Not the creative type? Never fear, you can still help because mom isn't looking for perfection. Just help give the kid some ideas, find the words that mean something to both mommy and child. If the child is not old enough to write, you can just have them scribble in their favorite color and draw a picture for mom. Ask them to tell you what the picture is and what they told mom, then you can include a little personal note to say "this is what they wanted to say"...don't show the little one that you interpreted, give it to mom later.

If they want you to help write the card, or the child is old enough to do it on their own but just can't figure out what to say, then you can help.

Getting started:

First ask what mom's favorite color is. Suggest they choose paper (cardstock or construction paper) in that color, or draw a flower or something in her favorite color.

Next ask what they think are some of mommy's favorite things: food; snack; drink; flower; place to visit; thing to do, etc.

Who are mom's favorite people and friends?

Does mom have a favorite animal, sport, movie etc?

Last but not least what is the thing they like the best about their mommy. Does she do something special for them that they like? What is their favorite place to go with their mom?

Now the older child can write mom a poem about all of these things. Remind them that not all poems have to rhyme, which the child might find a lot harder (I know I would). Ask the little one if they want you to write down all of mommy's favorite things and then they can make drawings or cut out pictures for the card all about the favorite things.

Of course if they want help you can give help with computer graphics and pictures, etc. But all of that really isn't necessary, mom just wants most of all to be remembered in a special way. What better than knowing what your own child thinks are your favorite things, and what they like to do with you?