It's springtime, so you know what that means: Mom's weekend. I love mom's weekend and think it's so fun to show my mom what we do down here in Bloomington. I feel like I can finally show her why my Greek experience at IU matters so much to me. If this is your first mom's weekend (or second, or third or fourth), there are a couple of pointers I have learned over the years.
1. Ask your mom what she wants to do.
If your chapter is anything like mine, then you have a designated chairperson who spends a lot of time planning awesome events for you and your mom to do. Although she may have worked hard on planning the events, make sure these are things that your mom wants to do. I was so quick to sign up for every single event and didn't consider that in reality, my mom just wanted to spend the day hanging out with me on the back patio of KOK. As totally and 100% okay with this as I am, I wish I had asked her before I signed us up for a million events that we didn't end up going to.
2. Your mom is an extension of you, but she is not you.
She may not necessarily want to hang out with your friends and their moms. Just because Tina is your absolute bestie doesn't mean that Tina's mom is your mom's absolute bestie. Maybe you want to go to a frat party with your mom because, like, how funny would that be? Just remember that she probably hasn't been part of the frat party lifestyle for a long time, or like my mom, ever. She may totally hate it.
3. If she wants to go out and be crazy, do that!
For your mom, this may be a really special occasion for her to get out and let loose with her daughter. Take advantage of your mom letting down her hair and having some fun. Don't try and go to a pottery class when in reality, she just wants to be raging with you.
4. Your mom may be totally uncomfortable around the other moms.
There are so many different types of women with different backgrounds. For some of the moms the only connection they have to one another is that their daughters are friends with each other. It's hard for them to even start conversations with other moms. Also, a lot of moms are going to feel self-conscious when they compare themselves to Sally's super young, supermodel mom. Just remind your mom how much you love her and how beautiful she is, inside and out.
5. Show your mom that you appreciate her.
Your mom didn't have to take a weekend to come in from out of town to hang out with you. If you come from a big family, this may be the only time you two get to hang out. We only get four mom's weekends, so really take advantage of the opportunity to get closer with dear old mom. She may turn out to be one of your best friends.
