Mother's Day is still a week away but hopefully this perspective will help kids make their Mother's Day special. It will not take a Hallmark card or a fancy dinner at a restaurant to do. It is simply called appreciation.

One of the worst things in a marriage is for one partner to take the other for granted. That is what can kill the love & romance & spell the end of the relationship.

Now mothers and children are locked into another kind of intimate relationship but taking one's devoted mother for granted should be a sin in itself. Respect does go a long way...and not just once a year when May rolls around and the pressure is on to honor Mom.

Every day, there are plenty of mothers who do all kinds of wonderful things for their children. Some have husbands and partners; others do it all by themselves. But the best thing kids can do is to treat their moms well all year long and every now and then, sincerely thank them for all they do. Maybe a nice hug and a thank you for hard-working moms who help to make kids lives (hopefully) run smoothly.

I think I speak for a lot of mothers who would just love to hear their children speak from the heart and give them thanks for their devotion and love. I appreciate Mother's Day because usually that is one day of the year I can look forward to not having to cook or clean up the kitchen. I also am lucky because I have kids who are affectionate and like to hug and say I love you.

To all the kids out there, take your mom aside this Mother's Day and tell her just how much you appreciate all that she has done and continues to do on your behalf. Don't let her be taken for granted and made to feel like all her sacrifices are for naught. This Mother's Day, tell your mom: THANK YOU & I LOVE YOU! And all the rest of the year too!