For example one of Mum’s favorite sandwiches is Cream Cheese & Olives. It’s not a sandwich you’d normally find at an English tea but as I said it is one of her favorites plus it’s simple to make.

One package cream cheese – softened One small jar of Olives Cut olives into small pieces, combine with softened cream cheese and a small amount of olive juice in a bowl, mix together then spread on bread. Cut crust from all four corners of sandwich, and then cut into fours.

Also being served will be a variety of desserts including Strawberry Scones – another of her favorites – shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate, lemon tarts also some type of chocolate cake.

To serve refreshments I’ll use several two and three tiered serving dishes, on top of at least one I’ll add whole strawberries – another of Mum’s favorites – with a side dish of whipped – sorry not clotted - cream.

The last order of business will be to sit, pour tea and spend a few relaxing hours visiting with my beloved Mum.

Take this idea and gear it around something your Mum likes whether it’s a hobby or a vacation spot she loves. The whole idea is to put together something special for her that shows how much she means to you. She will definitely appreciate your time and effort.

Of course if your not able to put together a party for her, a heartfelt card - maybe hand written - and a bouquet of beautiful spring flowers - Tulips would fit bill - will be appreciated just as much.

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Now back to my kids...For my son, having things labeled is a big help. He has a bin labeled "army men", one labeled "dinosaurs", etc. So when I say, "please clean up your army men", he knows exactly where they go.

As for my daughter...I tried labeling technique and what did she do? She took them off because she didn't like it. She said, "I know where my things go". So for her, dividing her room into zones (dress-up, doll house etc.) with a bin or two for each helps her keep her room clean.

I tried having one drawer for all her dress-up shoes and one drawer for all her dress-up accessories, but it just didn't work. She wants them all in one bin and doesn't mind digging for her things. Digging drives me crazy, but for her, it's just fine...and maybe even fun.

Last but not least, just walking into your kid's room and saying "Clean Your Room!" is usually not best way to go. For toddlers, elementary age and for some teenagers it is a good idea to be specific.

For example: "Please put all your dress-up clothes in box and all your doll clothes in their box." That way they have a specific mission. Instead of just looking at their room in a state of confusion, you have given them some direction.

One note to parents: Keeping YOUR room clean also will set a GREAT example for your kids! Hey, just making bed makes a world of difference ;).