Mother's Day plans across Kent are being rethought following the government's latest coronavirus advice which now limit social gatherings and have forced many others into self-isolation.

If you're looking for ways to still make this Sunday's Mother's Day special for those you love, whilst taking into account the new guidelines, here's some suggestions below...

1. Take a spring walk

Getting outside at a time like this is important - even if that's just for a short walk or some in the garden in natural light.

If you or family members are experiencing symptoms or are self isolating either because of age or because you fall into an at risk group then obviously going outside is not advisable

But for so-far healthy families following new social distancing guidelines - enjoying a family walk is possible providing that you are sensible and take some precautions.
Current advice includes not using walking routes that you know will be overly busy or congested, picking a time of day that may be quieter and taking a walk whilst being mindful of being two metres apart from anyone else you may encounter on the way.

You can read more about the latest guidelines related to being outside here.

2. Get out in the garden

If other Mother's Day plans have had to be altered and the weather is dry, then getting out in the garden can be an excellent way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Getting natural light and fresh air is recommended and doing so within your own garden space can be a very safe way to do so, protecting your family and others.

Painting a fence, planting some bulbs and sowing seeds, cutting the lawn or just generally tidying up your outside spaces ahead of the hopefully warmer months ahead, could all be time well spent.

It could also be the perfect time for the kids to also rediscover and clean up their garden toys from last year ready for some more time playing in the garden.

3. Cook and bake for Mother's Day

If restaurant plans for a family meal have been halted consider cooking a special meal at home for the people you live with.

Decorate the table with the kids, get them involved in the chopping and cooking, and maybe baking a simple cake they could decorate for desert would all create some special memories for everyone who has suddenly been forced to spend a bit more time at home together.

Equally, whilst visiting restaurants and bars is now not advisable, many businesses are turning their attention to takeaway options or boxed meals, which may be a great alternative that supports local traders and guarantees a tasty and workload-free Mother's Day meal!

4. Don't forget those self-isolating

Whilst younger parents live with their children, there are plenty of older parents who face being isolated on Mother's Day because of the latest coronavirus advice.

Those with young children could consider filming a video message for grandparents, sending (or posting through the letterbox) handmade letters, pictures and cards or even putting together a hamper-style package full of someone's favourite things and leaving it on their doorstep for them to take in.

If your mum lives alone but nearby, and needs to avoid contact with others including your own children, perhaps this could even include some food or treats for Mother's Day so they too can avoid too much cooking on Mother's Day!

5. Make a family scrapbook

In an age of digital images we're all much poorer at properly collecting and storing photographs and special memories.

If you're at home on Mother's Day weekend, tick off one of those jobs on the to-do list you so rarely get around to and as a family round up any photos, certificates, children's handmade artwork and badges, tickets or other memories and begin a family scrapbrook or album.

You'll be surprised at how much you've perhaps got lying around the house that could be given a special new home in the form of a keepsake as well as being something you can add to in the months and years ahead.

6. Don't forget to get your copy of My Mum!

Thousands of pupils across Kent and Medway have drawn pictures of their mums for Mother's Day which have now hit the shops in keepsake supplements.

To find out whether your school took part and how you can get a copy of the newspaper please click here for our complete guide to My Mum 2020. And don't forget to grab extra copies for those family members or any friends not currently able to shop for themselves!