What do you write in a mother's day card?

Mother's Day is a complicated holiday. Some people are missing their mothers. Some people are mothers and missing their kids. The best Mother's Day cards are the specific ones, the ones that name something only this mother does. The most important thing is to include at least one specific detail only you would mention. Mom, thank you for the way you've kept showing up, all these years, in ways I don't always notice and ways I always will. I love you. Happy Mother's Day.

How long should a mother's day card be?

Three to five sentences is the right length for almost any card. A great short card always beats a long generic one.

What to write in a Mother's Day card: heartfelt examples

Mother's Day is a complicated holiday. Some people are missing their mothers. Some people are mothers and missing their kids. The best Mother's Day cards are the specific ones, the ones that name something only this mother does.

How to write it

Name a specific thing she did, not 'everything.' 'Everything' is invisible.
If she lost her own mother this year, acknowledge it.
If she's not your mother but mothered you anyway, say so.

Examples

Real examples of mother's day cards by relationship. Use them as a jumping-off point — the best card is the one with at least one specific detail only you would mention.

For a mom

Mom, thank you for the way you've kept showing up, all these years, in ways I don't always notice and ways I always will. I love you. Happy Mother's Day.

For a step mom

You didn't have to love us. You did anyway. Thank you. Happy Mother's Day.

For a friend

You are such a good mother. The kind that pays attention. Happy Mother's Day, friend.