Last Minute Ideas for a Deployed Mama this Mother’s Day

[Briana Hartzell USAA]

Mother’s Day is May 8^th and it’s not too late to make Mom feel special, even if she is deployed!

Here are 4 ideas to make her feel loved this Mother’s Day.

Have the kids complete a mommy questionnaire:

These worksheets are always fun (here is a free printable and example)! Quizzing your children about “Mommy’s favorites” and facts can get comical in a hurry! According to my 5-year-old I am 34 years old and weigh 34 pounds. You can print this and send in a card or email a copy.

Create a short video:

A thoughtful way to brighten mom’s day is a short video of her kids or loved ones. You can use a video chat mobile phone app like Marco Polo, or use a free video compression software to email a video taken on your phone.

Include a handwritten note:

In the digital age, these notes are rare and thus, worth their weight in gold. I believe written words carry more weight than electronic communication. I am so very thankful to have sweet letters from my kids and husband (and my own mother, especially since her passing).

Don’t skip it:

Even if the letter, note, package or video will arrive late, the most important thing for a deployed mother to know is that her children and family are thinking of her!

Don’t let the opportunity to recognize an active duty mother pass you by. Thank them not only for their service, but for their shining example of strength, dedication and commitment to their families.

How are you celebrating a deployed mom this Mother’s Day?

About the Blogger: Briana Hartzell is a Navy spouse, mother to two beautiful girls (6 and 8), a former full time USAA employee and a graduate of Texas A&M University. 

Originally published in 2019, updated in May 2022.

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