Life coach Bria Simpson offers this advice for husbands looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift for their wives: treat them to some extra time in their schedule to rest and recharge all year long!

Simpson, author of The Balanced Mom (New Harbinger Publications; $14.95), says that she hears from a lot of fathers who worry that their wives are over-worked at home or over-involved with the kids, but hesitate to say anything for fear of seeming to minimize their jobs as mothers.

“Dads tell me that they know their wives work hard and have the best intentions for their children,” Simpson says. “However, they also see that their wives are exhausted, and often too involved in their kids’ lives, and they don’t know how to talk to them about achieving a healthier balance.”

Instead of standing by while their wives spend all their time and energy trying to be the perfect wife and mother, help them gain more balance in their lives. Simpson suggests:

1) Encourage a weekly “time-out”— 2-3 hours off on the weekends to do whatever she feels she needs, whether it’s taking a nap, reading a book, going for a hike, or shopping for herself. Hire a babysitter or take this time to bond with your children.

2) Promote weekly chores for the kids.  Children benefit from doing chores and learning responsibility and life skills. Encourage your wife to take the extra time to focus on herself and what’s missing most in her daily life — regular exercise?  More rest?  Discovering a new passion or rediscovering an old one? Anything is possible if you have the time!

3) Bring back those loving feelings… Remember what you used to love to do together, before kids?  It’s time to bring those times back!  Come up with creative dates every week — you’ll both enjoy the time-off from parenting and the renewed passion in your relationship.

Mother’s Day shouldn’t be the only day of the year Mom gets to relax! After all, says Simpson, “When Mom is happy, everyone’s happy!”

For more information email Earlita Chenault call 510-652-0215 x142.