If you forget, you’ll never live it down

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Unplugged Perspective

Mother’s day will soon be upon us (only 17 days!) and if you start now you’ll probably be ahead of almost every other dad out there.

Mother's Day got a little more complicated once I had kids. Before that, it was simple: get something for my mom from me. Now, I still do that, but I also need to help (and let's be honest, in the early years "help" means "do") each of my kids make something for their mom.

The bonus? I get to use them in the gift for my mom too, so I suppose it evens out.

There are always the classics: flowers, gardening gear, sweets. If you're going big, maybe a spa gift card or something shiny in a little box. But lately, I've been leaning into handmade gifts with the kids.

Last year we painted flower pots, each one covered in color and tiny fingerprint ladybugs and flowers, for both their mom and grandma. It was fun, didn't take long, and turned out to be a big hit. There's just something about giving a gift that has fingerprints on it.

And really, who am I to complain about a slight increase in my workload for a once-a-year holiday, when moms take on a full-time, all-the-time role the moment that first baby arrives?

It's easy to overlook just how much they do because so much of it is quietly expected. There's no applause for every meal made or fever checked. Most of it just happens, seamlessly and invisibly.

This invisible labor happens in all kinds of families. Whether it's a single dad doing it all or grandparents raising kids, someone is always doing that behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running.

Meanwhile, if a dad takes the kids to the store alone, we hear: "Wow, superdad!" or "Babysitting today?"

Nope. I'm not babysitting. I'm just being Dad.

But those comments say a lot about how our culture views parenting and how much heavier the default expectations still fall on moms.

So this Mother's Day, after making the day special with your kids' help, do one more thing: set a reminder. Literally. A calendar event, a note on your mirror, something you'll see. Because while the day is nice, moms deserve our thanks all year long.

Unplugged in Action

This week’s Unplugged in Action comes from my brother. He was out hiking with his kids and tried something from the Spring 10-Minute Reset issue—the “kids lead the way” walk.

They were on a marked trail, so direction was somewhat linear, but he let the kids set the pace and decide when to stop. They paused to inspect bugs, lingered at interesting spots, and took their time crossing a rope suspension bridge. (Though, as he pointed out, you’re allowed to move a little quicker across that if you’re a dad who’s not a fan of heights.)

Slowing down to their rhythm turned an ordinary hike into something memorable. It gave the kids space to explore, and gave him a fresh way to see the trail.

The Unplugged Idea: Get Crafty

This week’s idea is simple, creative, and something she’ll actually use. Grab a few small terracotta pots and let the kids decorate them for Mom (or Grandma). Add a flower or herb, and you’ve got a gift that’s both handmade and heartfelt.

Variations by Age:

• Ages 0–3:
  Let them finger-paint the outside of the pot with your help. It’ll be messy, colorful, and full of charm. Use non-toxic paints and seal it with a clear coat once it’s dry.

• Ages 4–6:
  Use paintbrushes or sponges to make designs—dots, stripes, handprints, or even a simple “I ❤️ Mom.” Guide them but let their creativity lead.

• Ages 7–10:
  Go a step further: paint a full scene, use painter’s tape for geometric designs, or write a thoughtful message. You can also let them choose the plant to go inside and help pot it.

Optional Add-On:
Include a small card or tag with the pot—something they can sign or decorate too.

Need inspiration? Check out these examples:

• Fingerprint Flower Pot Tutorial 🌻

• Handprint Flower Pot (Instagram) ✋

• Thumbprint Butterfly Pot (YouTube Short) 🦋

Unplugged Wrapped Up

I hope this week’s issue helps as you prepare for Mother’s Day. Remember, it does not have to be flashy to be meaningful. A little intention, a little effort, and a few tiny fingerprints can turn a simple craft into something priceless.

And while it may feel like a small gesture for someone who does so much, you are doing more than making a gift. You are teaching your kids how to see and appreciate the people who care for them. That lesson sticks.

-Ted

P.S. Got a favorite mother’s day idea? Hit reply and tell me about it. I read and respond to every one.

P.P.S. Help another dad find his next unplugged moment—just forward this email.