What do you call someone who doesn't observe details?

Obtuse or Thick apply in such contexts.

Caveat: Using these words for one's mom would be considered downright rude.

Obtuse

lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect : INSENSITIVE, STUPID

He is too obtuse to take a hint.

Thick

obtuse, stupid

[Merriam-Webster]

Perhaps, you should go with imperceptive.