As social media continues to be taken over by corporations and public relations companies, we are being urged to take our Mother’s Day celebrations and tributes online. I’m here to tell you that my mother deserves better, and so does yours. That doesn’t mean you have to spend the $15 billion that Americans are expected to drop this year. But I am reminding you that saying “hi” on your favorite social network to your friend 400 miles away might cut it, but it doesn’t pass muster when Mother’s Day is involved.

Here’s a few reasons why you should keep your Mother’s Day greetings offline:

She wants to see your pretty face
Nothing makes a mother happier than seeing their child in person. This woman carried you for nine months and was your shadow for at least 15 years. She doesn’t see you as often as she used to, and when she does, it’s special. Besides, how else is she going to tell you that you look skinny?

She doesn’t understand social media
At least not the way you do. In my experience, the difference between public and private communications on social networks is not fully comprehended by adults of an advanced parental age. And on a day designed to declare your love and show your appreciation, why leave anything to risk?

She understands that this is the lowest form of communication
Back in your parents’ day, if someone wanted to talk, they’d pick up the phone, a landline phone. Today’s ultra-transparent world seems to worry many of the older folks I talk to. If we consult the world-renowned Rosen Value Scale of Communication, I think you’ll find that most moms agree on the worth of each type of contact:

Intimacy = $1.00
Face-to-Face = $.75
Landline Phone = $.50
Cell Phone = $.40
E-mail = $.25
Social Media = $.15
Text Message = $.10
Mass Text = $.01

She might get it late
It’s a generalization, but parents aren’t as tethered to social communications the way their offspring are. That means that eCard or joke could end up missing the mark, leaving poor mommy wondering why her children don’t love her anymore.

Don’t get me wrong, mom deserves a laugh and to be recognized as the #1 mama across your social circle. I’m not suggesting you don’t send her talking flowers from Teleflora or a customized E-Trade BabyMail, I’m just reminding you that if possible, you should praise her offline too. She’ll appreciate it, trust me.