This Mother's Day, along with the flowers, candy, brunches, and sweet cards, it may be wise to sit back and recognize the woman you call Mom. In the Wizard of Oz, the great wizard was an old man behind a curtain pulling levers to make the great Oz look magnificent. In most of our lives, the one behind the curtain pulling levers to make everything look great or feel great (including us) is our mom. She has been there since our birth providing for us, guiding us and trying to do everything within her power to make us the best we can be.

The importance of mom has not been lost on the United States government. War tactics have changed where female soldiers are going in to the villages to talk to the women (moms) to appeal to their sense of educating their children for a brighter tomorrow. They understand this will be successful because they too know that moms are focused on building communities, families, and ultimately want the best for their children.

Pharmaceuticals appeal to moms because they understand women not only take care of their own health, but they take care of the whole family's health. If you can teach a mother to eat healthy, you will influence her whole family for generations to come. Being a mom is more than taking care of your child. It is changing the future for generations to come. There is an old saying that “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world,” and indeed that is played out in every family almost every day. For the first time in US history, the majority of families are single parent families, and the majority of those are run by mom. She is at the peak of most advertizing dollars, and most daytime TV shows adjust their venues to what will be appealing to mom. Moms are still 100% invested in their children and their children's welfare, even when they get a scowl from you because you cannot have that junk food you wanted.

This year for Mother's Day I have ideas of how teens can make their moms feel really special. There is one premise you must understand as you go through this list. By the time you are a teen your mom has a deep pride, but also carries a sense of nostalgia with her. She looks at you and remembers how you were as her little baby; that same face you give her at times, she remembers when it had only two teeth. She may feel “replaced” by your new active life, and although she is proud that you are growing up into a healthy adult, she wishes she could wrap her arms around you and keep you safe in her care forever. These tips are going to help mom understand that you understand how great you think she is.

Tips for Teens Celebrating Mom on Mother's Day:

1. Write your mom a letter and list 25 things you love about her. She will most likely frame this and nothing will make her day feel more right.
2. Tell your mom you are taking her on a “Momcation.” A momcation is typically a getaway for mom. Since you don't see her as much, and when you are there you are talking on the phone or doing homework, planning to get away with “just her” will make her feel special. It doesn't have to be overnight or expensive. Her momcation could be lunch at the park (make sure you make it), a coffee talk, a walk to the grocery store (carry the groceries), or anything that gets you alone with mom where you are actively engaging with her.
3. Make her favorite dinner or brunch at home. Invite your dad and siblings too, or invite her best friend. Moms love showing off their thoughtful teen.
4. If you are the artistic type, sketch a picture, make a mug or a pot for plants. You could write her a song and then perform it for her. Moms watched and encouraged your interests while you were growing up. They delight in seeing “hints” of the past in what you are doing now.
5. This is the most difficult one, but maybe the most important. If you feel that you have been disengaged or moody as of late, talk to your mom and try to explain what has been going on. No one will ever forgive or welcome your confession more than mom.

No matter what you do with your mom (wizard) on Mother's Day, make sure you think of what she would like. No one has a mom like you, and what you decide may not be what Hallmark recommends, but it will be what she loves best! Have a wonderful day with your mom.