Celebrating Moms

What mother doesn't wish for a little help around the house? Teens and tweens can put their own spin on this gift idea, or you can help younger kids create "chore flowers" for Mom to redeem whenever she needs a helping hand. Collect five or six craft or Popsicle sticks (if you use Popsicle sticks, make sure to first clean them thoroughly). Help your child write a chore on each stick with a fine-tip marker. You can include such offerings as, "I will put away all my toys," "I will help you empty the trash," "I will sing you a song," and so on.

Next, cut several paper flowers from colorful construction paper and glue one to the top of each stick. Make a flowerpot for your flower by putting a ball of clay in the bottom of a paper cup. Insert the stick into the clay and adjust the stick until it stands upright (you may need to add clay after you've inserted your flower to help stabilize it). You can also write a little poem or message on an additional piece of paper and attach it to the cup with a ribbon. (Punch a hole into the paper and a hole into the cup—thread the ribbon and tie a bow).