How to make Mother’s Day Special When You’re far Apart
The relationship between mother and child is not only the first bond people make in life, but one of the most important. As we grow up and move away, that feeling of wanting to be close to our parents never truly goes away. Thankfully, staying connected, no matter the distance, isn’t as tough as it once was, thanks to technology, but the feeling of missing your mum remains no matter how close or how far you are from one another, and while distance can’t break such a close bond it can make it hard for both parent and child when Mother’s Day comes along.
To prove that the bond between parent and child is truly unbreakable, YCB worked with Bloom & Wild to speak to people whose love for their mum has literally gone the distance about how they keep in touch and show each other how they show their appreciation for those who always put them first. As well as sharing their expert tips on showing how you care wildly.
“Sometimes we’ll even leave the camera on while we’re both doing chores”
Eirini was raised in Greece, where her mother still lives, but since her move to Manchester in 2018, they have found that despite the big adjustment, their relationship has grown stronger from it.
Eirini said, “We’ve become very intentional about communication. We don’t take time for granted. When I first moved to the UK in 2018, it was a big adjustment for both of us, a new country for me, and an empty house for her. But in a way, it’s made our relationship stronger. We talk more deeply now, share more openly, and really value the time we do get together in person. Airport reunions are always emotional, with lots of tears and very tight hugs.”
“We show we care in small, consistent ways. I’ll check in about her appointments, send her memes or pics of my day, or surprise her with flowers delivered to her home in Greece. She shows she cares by always making sure I’m okay, asking if I’ve eaten, how work is, if I rest, etc.” Eirini told us.
“We usually speak every day, even if it’s just for five or ten minutes. Messaging happens throughout the day; she loves to send me Pinterest gifs with a daily wish. Video calls are better because it feels the closest to being in the same room. Sometimes we’ll even leave the camera on while we’re both doing chores, and my grandma and cousins would join the call as we all live away from each other.”
Despite the distance, Eirini and her mum find their own way to celebrate Mother’s Day.
“I usually send flowers or a small gift ahead of time so it arrives on the day, and we plan a long video call. It’s also close to the day of my mom’s birthday, so I do try to make it memorable, sometimes asking my brother to surprise her as he lives close by.”
Eirini and her mum’s bond may have taken some adjustment, but their communication with one another means that they remain as close as ever, just not in a physical sense. Eirini said that “Sometimes we’ll even leave the camera on while we’re both doing chores, and my grandma and cousins would join the call as we all live away from each other”, proving that quality time together doesn’t have to be physical.”
“The value of seeing each other massively increases”
Nick and his mum have been far away from one another for around a decade, with her residing in Kadıköy, Turkey, and him residing in Manchester, England.
Nick said, “We speak a couple of times a week and normally on calls as we’re both terrible with WhatsApp. As she has dogs and cats, we normally do video calls so Mum can catch me up on how everyone is, as I love seeing and hearing about them! We’re actually really close, and it’s hard in general. As I’m in my early 30’s, I’ve seen my Mum get older, and not being able to spend time together is sometimes hard to fathom. We have made up for it, as when I have visited her in Turkey, we always spend a lot of time together.”
“Funnily enough, when my Mum did live in Turkey, she didn’t have a postal address as she lived in a really rural area, so we couldn’t really do gifts. Instead, we’d always jump on a video call and have more of a mothers day chat. I’d normally send her some money to go out for a meal with my stepdad, as I can’t celebrate with her.” Nick said.
“ For a nice story, when my Mum came back to the UK for a short stint years ago, she asked if we could do something I love, as she wanted to try something I care about. Sadly for her, I’m big into hiking and getting outdoors.
“We ended up doing a pretty hefty hike, which she complained about pretty much all the way around, but did feel super rewarded when we were done. It might not sound like a big deal, but it’s a core memory for me as she took a massive interest in what I care about.”
Despite over a decade of distance, Nick and his mum still find a way to maintain their close bond, through their constant calls and taking an interest in one another’s interests, a dynamic which runs throughout their family, as he said, “we much prefer acts of kindness and gestures so spending time on a call with each other is normally enough.”
Tips for showing you care across distances
Jo Reason, Brand Director at Bloom & Wild, explains their top tips for showing your mum love, regardless of the distance.
Just because
There’s no need to wait for a special occasion to get in touch, send a message, a gift, or even some flowers to let them know you’re thinking of them. Whilst everyone loves to receive a gift to celebrate a win or a life event, sending one ‘just because’ will let them know not only how much she means to you, but also how much she’s still as much a part of your life as she always has been, even when far apart.
It’s the little things
It’s easy to think that grand displays of affection are the best way to show your love from afar, but the small stuff is what really counts. Sending them something you’d both find funny, asking how they’re doing, or even just a message to say ‘I’m thinking of you’ can go a long way. Showing your mum that just because she’s far away, you haven’t forgotten about her.
Virtual get together
When you’re far apart, it’s only natural to miss one another. Through video calls, however, the feeling can be lessened somewhat. Whether it’s for a daily catch-up or to be able to see the look on your mum’s face when you surprise her with a gift from afar, being able to see one another means that you can feel close together, even if there are oceans between you.
Looking after one another
No one likes being ill, but when your family is far away, it can be even harder to cheer yourself up. Sending a get-well-soon bouquet or some chocolates to let your mum know you’re thinking of them, the same way they’ve always been thinking of you, will make all the difference in the world, cheering them up and giving them something to get into a healing mindset.
Family doesn’t need proximity to thrive; it just needs thought. Distance might change how your dynamics look day to day, but being there for one another – especially when someone needs cheering up or is missing that important family connection – is what keeps those bonds strong, wherever you are.
When you do meet, try something new
Scientists say that trying something new can strengthen bonds. When we see our parents/parental figures, we can often fall into the same routines and childhood roles.
Trying a new activity or skill allows you to make new memories with your mum and revitalise your relationship, allowing you to bond as women and not just mother and daughter.
To send a gift to show your mum how much she means to you, visit Bloom & Wild