Mother’s Day - it's a dangerous holiday to navigate and one that you really don’t want to forget. For your mom, Mother’s Day is the big one - it’s the only day out of the year that you’re pretty much required by law to show a little love and affection for the woman who gave you life. If you’re not a parent, and also not a woman, it’s hard to grasp why this one is so important. Read on for some tips to get you through the day and to keep you in her good books.

Hell hath no fury like a forgotten Mom
Step number one, and definitely the biggest: remember Mother’s Day is. In the U.S. and in Canada, Mother’s Day is held on the second Sunday in May. Other countries celebrate it around the same time. This year, Mother’s Day is on MAY 13. Write it down and stick up Post-It notes around your house. Do not forget: MAY 13. Try some word association. Your mother MAY react like Jason’s mom in Friday the 13th if you forget Mother’s Day. Simple enough.

Show some love
Step number two, remember what Mother’s Day is all about. Showing your mom some genuine affection on Mother’s Day isn’t enough to qualify you as a momma’s boy, but it will mean a lot to her. If she’s still changing your sheets though, you’ve got concerns. A slightly sappy card with a heartfelt note from you will have her eyes welling up and some fantastic home cooking coming you way.

Flowers and chocolates are pretty standard gifts, so try to think outside the box. What are her hobbies? Hint – vacuuming isn’t one of them. Neither is cleaning the bathroom. Does she take pilates (fancy stretching)? Is she in a book club (ladies talking about stuff they’ve read)? Take a minute to think out what she’s into (not doing your laundry), then choose a gift that relates.

Treat her right
Slightly sappy card with heartfelt words opened: check. Thoughtful present fawned over: check. Okay, Mother’s Day is done, right? Not quite! Slow down there sonny - it’s called Mother’s Day for a reason. Not Mother’s Morning. Not Mother’s 20 Minutes. Book a lunch date or take her out for dinner. Tour an art gallery with her and absorb a little culture. Just spend a little time with your mom - it’s one day out of the year, and she’s going to really appreciate just hanging out with her favorite son.

This Mother’s Day (MAY 13), don’t forget the special lady in your life. Some genuine consideration and a little effort will have Mom singing your praises to her friends who have hot, single daughters. It’s a win-win situation.

Stacey Hennessy is a writer for the online Mother’s Day resource MothersDayandMore.com. Stacey’s talents as an expert gift giver make her a popular resource for Mother’s Day Gifts and celebration ideas for all occasions.