It’s Helper Appreciation Month this May – our chance to show some love and gratitude to the ladies who play such an integral part of our daily lives. Think of it as something like Mother’s Day where we can show our appreciation for all the hard work they do for our families. It doesn’t have to be grand and extravagant. Here are some wonderful gestures that will make them feel special.
Flower Power
You’d be surprised to find out that lots of helpers have never received a bouquet of flowers in their entire life. It’s just something that’s not in their radar. Watch their face light up when they receive a lovely bouquet.
Get the kids involved
Do an arts and crafts day with your kids during her day-off and make cards. Ask your kids to write down what they like best about your helper – her yummy spaghetti bolognaise or when she takes them out on playdates.
A note of thanks
Everyone appreciates a kind word. Along with your kids’ cards, write her a note of thanks. Words do mean a lot and sometimes we don’t say thank you enough. Best part is, she can keep it as a wonderful reminder that she is truly appreciated.
Time off
Covid has brought added pressure to helpers with family members at home most of the time — more cooking, more washing up dishes, working around the presence of family members doing online work. Take her out for afternoon tea where she can take a coffee break. Or even better, take over the cooking and washing up duties and make dinner for her.
Staycation
With overseas travel at a halt, staycations have become our respite. We are all pining to have time away from the usual grind and helpers are no different. Book her an overnight stay to make her feel extra special. If she is not familiar with checking-in, do accompany her so she can feel comfortable and relaxed.
There are many more ways to show your appreciation to your helper. No matter how small or how grand the gesture, it is important that we acknowledge how valuable they are to our family life. As wonderfully explained by American writer William Arthur Ward, “gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings”.