How to cope with Mother’s Day – advice from Winston’s Wish

March 2025

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For children and young people whose mum has died, Mother’s Day can be a difficult day. As with other significant days, it can be a time when their grief is brought to the surface, when their emotions are heightened, and they are constantly reminded that their mum is no longer there.

To help you navigate Mother’s Day with the children and young people who are grieving the loss of their mum, our friends at Winston’s Wish share ways in which you can navigate the day. 

1. Do whatever they want. No pressure, no expectations.

For some bereaved children and young people, Mother’s Day will be sad; for others it will be happy, and others may feel neither emotion. 

They may want to remember their person or avoid the day altogether. It’s important that you let the children and young people in your life know that whatever feels right to them is OK. 

There is no right or wrong way to feel and this is something that can also change year on year. 

2. Do things that remind them of their mum on Mother’s Day

If the children and young people in your life feel up to it, you could take some time to remember their mum. 

It could be that you eat their favourite food, listen to their favourite music, or do an activity as a family that their mum used to enjoy. 

3. Give them the option to buy or make a Mother’s Day card 

As a parent, your instinct might be to avoid the rows of Mother’s Day cards, and it may be the same for the young people in your life. That is perfectly fine. 

However, some bereaved children and young people like to buy or make a Mother’s Day card in memory of their mum. 

It’s an opportunity for them to remember their mum, leave a special message for her or even place it on her grave, in your home or in their memory box. 

4. Talk about their mum

With Mother’s Day so heavily advertised, it does open up the opportunity to reminisce together about their mum. 

Give them the choice to talk together, with friends or even reach out to people who knew their mum, so they can talk to them too. 

It’s an opportunity for them to draw on memories or even learn something new from those who were close to their mum.

5. Avoid social media on Mother’s Day

Encourage those you’re supporting to ditch social media for the day. You may also find it helpful to do the same. 

So many people will be sharing posts of their mum and companies will be sharing messages and gift ideas, which can be overwhelming. 

Avoid social media, allow the day to pass and, as a family, do what you want to do on Mother’s Day. 

6. Celebrate other important people in their life on Mother’s Day

It can be overwhelming for children and young people to feel that the day is solely focused on a person who is no longer here. 

Give them the option to celebrate the other important people in their life, like a step-mum, auntie, grandma, sister, or friend. Suggest they buy or make a card, get them a present or take the opportunity to tell them how special that person is. 

Where to get support

Winston’s Wish is a charity that helps children, teenagers and young adults (up to the age of 25) find their feet when their worlds are turned upside down by grief. 

If you are an adult supporting a bereaved child or young person who is struggling with their grief, you can call Winston’s Wish at 08088 020 021 (8am-8pm, weekdays) or email ask@winstonswish.org. They will be able to offer guidance, information and support.

You can also access the Winston’s Wish Crisis Messenger which is available 24/7 for urgent support. Text WW to 85258.