Mother's Day - without mum

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate mums, but for children who has experienced the death of their mum, grandmother or a mother figure, it can be an incredibly emotional and challenging day. The weeks leading up to it may be filled with reminders of their loss, making it important to provide support and understanding.

Acknowledge Their Feelings

Every child experiences grief in their own way. Some may want to talk about their mum or grandmother, while others may find it too painful. Feelings of sadness, anger or even guilt for wanting to take part in Mother’s Day activities are all natural. Let them know that whatever they feel is valid and they are not alone with these feelings.

Encouraging open conversations can be helpful but don’t force them. Some children may prefer to express their feelings through drawing, writing or spending quiet time reflecting. Simply letting them know they are not alone in their grief can make a big difference.

Planning for the Day

Some children may want to mark the day in a meaningful way, while others may prefer to ignore it altogether. Having a flexible plan can help reduce anxiety in the lead-up and provide them with a sense of control over how they want to manage the day.

• Ask how they would like to spend the day – would they like to do something special in memory of their loved one or would they prefer a distraction?
• Have an alternative activity ready – if Mother’s Day feels too overwhelming, plan a fun outing, movie night or another enjoyable activity to shift the focus.
• Let them know it’s okay to change their mind – grief is unpredictable and their feelings about the day might change. Be open to adjusting plans as needed.

Remembering Special Moments

One way to bring comfort is by remembering and celebrating their loved one’s life. Encourage them to talk about their favourite memories:

• What was something special they used to do together?
• Did their mum or grandmother have a favourite song, hobby or saying?
• What was something their loved one always did to make them smile?

Looking through old photos, listening to their loved one’s favourite music or writing a letter to them can be comforting. If talking about memories is too painful, they could keep a memory box with meaningful items.

Honouring Their Loved One

Instead of avoiding the day, finding ways to honour their mum or grandmother can help children feel connected to them. Some ideas include:

• Doing activities they enjoyed – whether it’s baking their favourite cake or playing a game they loved, these activities can help keep their memory alive.
• Visiting special places – a trip to a favourite park, beach or café that was significant to their loved one can be a meaningful way to feel close to them.
• Visiting a grave or memorial place – some children may find comfort in leaving flowers, writing a message or simply sitting in quiet reflection.
• Creating a tribute – lighting a candle, planting a flower or making a scrapbook can be a simple but powerful way to honour them.

Supporting Families Facing Multiple Losses

For children who have experienced the death of  their mum and a grandmother or another maternal figure, the emotions surrounding Mother’s Day can feel even heavier. Acknowledging and honouring all the significant women that have died can help validate their grief.

Encourage them to talk about each person they are remembering, share memories and find ways to celebrate their lives. If they struggle with expressing their feelings, creative outlets like drawing, storytelling or memory boxes can provide comfort.

How Mosaic Can Help

At Mosaic, we understand that Mother’s Day can be a difficult time for bereaved children and young people. We help children and families build strong connections with others who have experienced similar losses, creating a community of support. We offer a range of services to help them through their grief, not just on Mother’s Day but throughout the year.

Social Events and Activity Days

We arrange activity days, picnics and gatherings throughout the year for families to come together and build a support network. These give children a chance to meet others who have also lost a parent or grandparent, helping them feel less alone. Engaging in fun activities provides a positive outlet for emotions.

Therapy Sessions

Our trained bereavement counsellors provide one-to-one support or family sessions, helping children process their emotions in a safe and understanding environment. We also offer craft-based therapy which can be a powerful way for children and young people to express their grief when words feel too difficult.

Our services are designed to support children through the challenges of grief, helping them find ways to remember and honour their loved one while building resilience for the future.

Mother’s Day without mum is undeniably difficult but it doesn’t have to be faced alone. By offering support, encouraging meaningful ways to remember their loved one and allowing space for their emotions, we can help children to navigate this time with love and understanding.

If you or someone you know needs support, Mosaic is here to help. Find out more about our services and how we can provide guidance during difficult times. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or need advice.