skip to main content

Thank you ideas for a nice mom

16 years ago

Our school has 1/2 day kindergarten, so I kept my daughter at the home-based preschool she attended last year for the mornings, then she goes to afternoon kindergarten. Dh and I have fairly flexible work schedules, and are mostly able to drive her, but there are two days a week when we often have trouble leaving work. So I sent a note home, asking whether any of the other parents would be interested in carpooling (I offered to drive three days).

One of the other moms replied back, and offered to take my daughter to school two days a week. She didn't want/need me to drive her daughter, as she is a stay at home mom, and said she always has her daughter with her. I offered to pay her, but she said it was not necessary, either. I am happy for her generosity, but feel uncomfortable with the one-sidedness of the arrangement. A couple of years ago, I drove a child to kindergarten (because his mother ran a home daycare, and couldn't leave the house). I didn't want her to pay me, either, but she offered to watch my youngest child for free anytime I had a field trip or appointment. So that worked well for both of us.

Another issue is that the other mom's English is fairly limited, and I don't speak Spanish. So I wonder a bit if I have interpreted her correctly. I didn't want to insist that I pay her or drive her daughter, but maybe she would have accepted if I had. I don't know her personally; I've jsut seen her around school as we both have older children as well. Anyone have thoughts about how to show appreciation without insulting her if she just wants to do a kind deed?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

lindac
16 years ago
I watched a child who was a friend fo my daughter's and my DH drove them to school on his way to work...her parents had to be at work earlier.
At Christmas, I got a huge beautiful poinsettia from Katie.
You can't "pay" for a kindness...but you can offer a small kindness in return.
Perhaps a gift certificate to a local fast food place and a note, thenks for driving my child.
Linda C
gellchom
16 years ago
I think you have a very nice new friend in this woman, and she has one in you -- this is such a nice, generous post.

I would get her a nice present at Xmas, if she celebrates it, or at the end of the year, to thank her -- whatever you think she would enjoy; it would feel more like recognition of her friendship than payment. But if for some reason you feel that is too personal, how about a gift certificate for gasoline, perhaps with some cookies or other goodie?
Related Discussions
Birthday party ideas for my mom
Q
Comments (5)
I've been thinking more of this, and I think I can get her DH to go along. Since we've not really ever done anything for mom on her birthday, she would easily buy it that he's taking her to the casino to celebrate. They go frequently, and he can say they're going to meet his brother & his wife. She'd totally buy this scenario. Then I can do an open house at the club house. I figured I can supply the main dish (something simple) and non-alcoholic beverages. Everyone else (family) can pitch in with food stuffs, too, and I know that the people in her park will be happy to pitch in with pot luck. If my mom doesn't know that family is going to be there (including me) she'll absolutely love it. Our family has a tendency to do surprises of unexpected family at events and it's well received. My primary concern now is trying to find lodging for everyone...since virtually all family will be from out of town. I think this could be a blast for mom, and she wouldn't mind people knowing her real age. It would tickle her because her peers are ancient (looks & energy wise) compared to her. She loves to be the center of attention, so I think she'd really like this.
...See More
Ideas for Mom's diamond rings
Q
Comments (11)
We inherited three diamonds from my DHs family. One was from his great uncle's pinky ring. We had it made into a drop pendant of the diamond only in a thin rim of silver, and hung it on a slender chain. That was a gift from us to our only daughter to wear on her wedding day with the diamond studs her groom gave her. We have about a 1 carat diamond from his grandmother's ring, and that stone has been offered to our son to put in a setting for his fiance, whenever he finally decides to get engaged. DH also had a mother's ring made for me, with stones for our 3 children--two emeralds and one sapphire. But it looked too dark and needed sparkle with those dark stones, and so we put in the center of them a smaller diamond from his grandmother, which is the April birth stone, the month we got married. Those stones had sat in the safety deposit box for many years. One is still there. But we waited to use them when the occasion seemed to call for it. DD looked beautiful on her wedding day with her great, great uncle's diamond hanging from a slender chain around her neck to match the earrings her groom gave her.
...See More
ideas for a new-mom gift?
Q
Comments (11)
I remember when I became a new mom it was hard to keep up appearances with baby slobber and peanut butter in my hair. My sister gave me a gift certificate to a hair salon and offered to baby sit for me. It was wonderful. I didn't take her up on the babysitting but when I finally had time to go get it cut, I was able to wash away the grossness of being fat, bloated, sick, queasy from pregnancy. And said goodbye to the slobbery clothes and tangled long hair (my baby always pulled it.) I felt human. I got an easy to style, let it go hairdo. It was great.
...See More
Mom's idea of gardening ...
Q
Comments (13)
GF, I really hear your pain and am so sorry. I just accept Mom where & how she is and enjoy what precious moments we have now. Another stroke can be fatal or leave her bedridden. I hope she stays just like this for the next 18 years! Please click on my username to access my profile page and send me a private message if you'd like to chat further. I can share some useful resources. - Maria Elena
...See More
azzalea
16 years ago
You're letting someone you don't know well drive your child? Isn't that a bit risky?

Well, that's your business, really.

I'd get a nice gift certificate for her family to enjoy. Depending upon your fiancial circumstances, it could be a restaurant gc, or one to Starbucks or Wawa, or even the local gourmet grocery store. Or how about a membership in the local museum or zoo?
carla35
16 years ago
Here's just a side note:

I think many Spanish speaking cultures celebrate their gift giving on Jan 6th or the week thereof. They're really big into the 3 Kings. You may want to check into that. I have a friend from Spain and they don't do much (in terms of gifts) for Christmas itself. I think it would be extra special if you gave her something on a day that was special to her and her culture.

Related Stories

LIFE Thank U 4 the Gr8 Gift: How to Send Thanks in the Digital Age

By Laura Gaskill

We click open invitations and RSVP via text, but a handwritten thank-you is sometimes still best. Here's how to tell

LIVING ROOMS Thank You for Sharing: The Family Living Room

By Samantha Schoech

Learning how to share your space with your kids is easy with these family-focused ideas, furnishings and accessories

LIFE You Said It: ‘The Birds Will Thank You’ and More Houzz Quotables

By Becky Harris

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

HOME TECH Thanks, Steve: Apple-Inspired Design at Home

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

See how the Mac and iPod aesthetic synchs up with today's house

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Decorative Tableware to Be Thankful For

By Christine Fox

Reap gratitude from the whole family by setting out these thoughtful place cards, decorations and more for Thanksgiving

LIFE Get the Family to Pitch In: A Mom’s Advice on Chores

By Alison Hodgson

Foster teamwork and a sense of ownership about housekeeping to lighten your load and even boost togetherness

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Nicely Priced Glassware for All Occasions

Serve water or wine with equal aplomb — and without sweating a big breakage bill — thanks to these gorgeous, affordable glasses

PAINTING Knotty to Nice: Painted Wood Paneling Lightens a Room's Look

By No. 29 Design

Children ran from the scary dark walls in this spare room, but white paint and new flooring put fears and style travesties to rest

WOOD Knotty and Nice: Highly Textured Wood Has a Modern Revival

By Mary Jo Bowling

Whether it's cedar, fir or pine, if a wood has a knot, it's hot

ARCHITECTURE Houzz Tour: Modern Plays Nice in a Historic Houston Neighborhood

By Mitchell Parker

Subtle modern details make this new home stand out from its elderly neighbors without disrespecting them

Sponsored

39 Reviews

Ohio's Kitchen Design Showroom |11x Best of Houzz 2014 - 2022