We spend a lot of time here on SkillsetMag, focusing on men, but this month, there’s a special day that requires us knuckledraggers to pay a little extra attention to the opposite sex. Relax, you didn’t forget your anniversary again, and no, it’s not Valentine’s Day (That’s February)

Have A Great Mother’s Day

Of course, I’m talking about Mother’s Day, the most important female day in most of our lives. Because, let’s face it, guys, without her, we wouldn’t exist. Do you want to be a true alpha male this Mother’s Day? Then how about giving that special lady the ultimate gift? It’s your time! Thats right. It won’t cost you anything out of pocket; all it requires is you to be present.

Don’t just do the typical phone call; put the kids on and think you’re off the hook for another year. Put in some real effort this year, guys; get your ass in the car, buy a plane ticket, or take a Greyhound, but the point is to show up in the flesh.

Doing The Dishes

What should you do now that you’re there? How about the chores you never did as a kid? For a lot of people my age, you may be missing one or the other parent in your life. If it’s your mom, I apologize and ask you to please come back and read my Father’s Day article. If it’s your dad who’s absent, she probably needs some help around the house.

Hell, maybe your folks are still together, or perhaps she has a life partner. All that aside, today is her day, so roll up your sleeves and show up to put in some work by getting your hands dirty! Yes, we know she’s going to say she doesn’t need it, but we all know that’s a lie. Get to work.

There is Work To Be Done

Oil change: If you are mechanically inclined, then there is no reason you can’t break out the tools and get to work on Mom’s hotrod. The price of oil is always increasing, and recent changes to tariffs and minimum wage hikes aren’t helping. If you don’t know how to change the oil or forgot your tools, take her on a ride to the Quick Lube, then leave the car there and walk her next door to get a mani/pedi. You remembered to make an appointment, right? It’s Mother’s Day.

Yard work: That grass isn’t going to cut itself. Fire up the mower, get out the weedwhacker, and don’t forget to trim the hedges. Just like when you were a kid, it’s best to pick up the dog poo first, or you are going to have a bad day. And don’t be lazy when it comes to bagging, either. Nobody likes those grass clumps all over the lawn. Dessert landscaping, you say? Well, I’m sure some patio furniture or some eves and gutters need cleaning. Don’t BE LAZY!

Momma’s Boy

Clear out your stuff: It’s been 30 years; get all the crap out of your room. It’s been a shrine to your 8th-grade achievements long enough. Or, if you’re like me, it’s been relocated to the garage with all your old tools and car parts you are going to “Pickup next time.”

Listen: I can already hear some of you slacking and making excuses. ” But Ben, my mom lives in a nursing home. There’s nothing to do.” Wrong answer. Show up, sit down, and listen. Hold her hand while she tells you that story about you peeing your pants in 3rd grade for the 100th time. It’s her day; let her shine.

Take it up a Notch!

Get matching tattoos: Now, if your mom is a little more SKILLSET, maybe a trip to the tattoo parlor is in order. You don’t need to go all out and get back pieces or anything, but maybe a simple set of matching tattoos will create the perfect Mother’s Day gift and memory. We would love to hear your ideas on this one.

Visit the Gun Range: Fun fact: Ten out of ten female SKILLSET readers like to shoot guns. Your mom may want to take part in the action, too. All those hunting trips with the guys, that long-range course you took with your work buddies. There may be a competition happening at the local range; sign you and your mom up and take her for a day of blasting!

Look, at the end of the day, as the saying goes, “This is the woman that birthed you!” Give her some of what she wants most: your time. At the very least, take her for a ride on the back of that new Harley you bought so you can tell your wife had no choice but to spend all day out riding—it’s Mother’s Day!

But what about your wife, you ask? That’s your kids’ problem; let them worry about her.