Be patient. I was under-appreciated , but the last 5 years or so, all of my adult children have made an extra effort to write me a note for Mother's Day, and they are not in second grade--not an assignment.

It could be that your daughter is too self-critical and did not think that what she made was good enough to give you. I remember being like that when I was little. My handwriting has always been erratic and not pretty, and I have no artistic ability. I would throw things away, not because my mom would have been critical, but because I was ashamed of the things I could produce.

I wldn't push your daughter to participate in this or any other program. Sometimes the greatest gifts are the everyday joys of seeing your children smile, receiving a warm hug, or just hearing them say "I love you". My oldest son (5) picked a dandelion for me from our front lawn yesterday. My heart melted. Often appreciation and love are expressed in small ways. Treasure every moment, especially the little things.