(WWJ) Today is the day children young and old celebrate Mom.
In the midst of a global pandemic, hundreds of thousands of Moms will not be able to see their sons and daughters in person because of social distancing guidelines or restrictions on visiting nursing homes.
Many Moms with adult children fall into the CDC's definition of "at-risk" for complications from COVID-19; being over 60 years old or having pre-existing conditions. It will be a particularly lonely day for them.
U.S Foods surveyed more than 2,000 mothers in the United States with children of all ages.
- 75% of moms surveyed said they won't be able to hug at least one of their kids this year because of quarantine.
- 50% say they will be connecting with their family via video chat.
Local childcare expert, Sharon Ragland-Keys, said creativity is paramount to celebrating the holiday this year. She said families can cook a meal and deliver it to elderly parents or grandparents.
"Kids love cooking and it's a great opportunity to help make a special meal," Ragland-Keys told WWJ.
Ragland-Keys said you can surprise Mom or Grandma in a big way without violating social distancing or putting her at risk.
"You can decorate her driveway with chalk," Keyes said. "You can organize a drive-by parade for her."
Other Moms have seen more of their kids over the past few months than usual. From homeschooling to a halt in extra-curricular activities that once kept children occupied for hours; families are now coming together, working out their differences, and appreciating each other in a whole new way.
Moms surveyed said they need a break from these activities on Mother's Day.
- 73% - Cleaning
- 62% - Cooking
- 59% -Fights
- 44% - Laundry
- 25% - Answering questions
- 24% - Finding people find lost things
- 14% - Helping with homework
Bottom line, spending time with loved ones is what Mom wants most; 85% said they crave connection with their family.
Giving Mom a call or dialing her up on Zoom, and telling her how much you love her is perhaps even more important today than in years past.
See the full study at this link.
Happy Mother's Day from all of us at WWJ!
