The responsibilities of motherhood can feel never-ending. Juggling the roles of chef, chauffeur, tutor, doctor, and more means limited time for rest and relaxation. In fact, a study that followed women for three years after the birth of their child showed that moms lose about an hour of sleep per night compared to their child-free counterparts.* Mothers are household heroes, and treating them to an effort-free meal in bed is a traditional way to return the care they pour into their loved ones.

A good Mother’s Day breakfast begins with setting the stage, or in this case, the tray. If you don’t have a lap table handy, make a substitute by covering a baking sheet with a decorative hand towel or cloth napkin. Another option for artistically minded people is to line the sheet with paper covered in drawings and notes of appreciation. Once you have your base together, it’s time to add some extra flourishes. Flowers are a fantastic way to spruce up a place setting. A store-bought bouquet adds vibrant color, but handpicked wildflowers are a touching gesture that shows you went the extra mile. Regardless of their source, you can’t go wrong with florals. A card is the final touch; a note thanking Mom for everything she does ties your setting together, giving your breakfast a beautiful backdrop.

Treating your mom to The Homemade Café means pretending to be her server while stocking the house with the ingredients necessary to give her various meal choices, which may not be feasible. Even if you don’t take her order for the main course, having multiple drinks stocked is an easy way to let her express her preference. Coffee and tea are warm and cozy, though you could take a refreshing approach with orange juice, apple juice, or smoothies. You know her best. Plan in advance and pay attention to what she typically drinks; that way, you have the insight to make sure her beverage options fit her taste.

A nutritious meal is a must to start the day right. Omelets, quiche, and scrambled eggs are packed with protein, but if you’re looking for vegetarian meals, overnight oats are versatile and can be doctored up with any combination of chopped fruit, nuts, spices, and drizzled honey. Biscuits and gravy, pancakes, waffles, and French toast are additional breakfast ideas, but what if you want something more personalized? Ask around for family recipes. You may be able to surprise her with a food that she loved when she was a kid.

Every worthwhile meal includes dessert. Why should breakfast be different? Fruit salad with granola and yogurt is a refreshing option that typically doesn’t sit as heavily in the stomach, while baked goods such as scones, cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, and muffins are warm, rich, and filling. Regardless of what you decide to prepare, there are plenty of inviting treats to tame even the most persistent sweet tooth.

Above all else, show her that you care. After all, a mother's work is a labor of love. A day dedicated to giving back is the perfect way to thank her for her sacrifices. The demands of day-to-day life can be challenging, but expressing your appreciation for the mothers who surround you shows you recognize the effort they put into everything they do.

Sources: Science Direct