Grieving children may feel particularly sad on Mother’s Day, missing their mum’s presence. We should not try to take these feelings away, or to distract children. It can be helpful to acknowledge their often strong emotions and to listen to how things are for the child.
Although their mother is no longer with them, children often want to think about them, talk about her and remember her. This can help children to feel that their mum has not been forgotten.
Any day can be difficult for a grieving child, but special days such as Mother’s Day can be additionally hard. Children may be bombarded with Mother’s Day Cards and gifts in the shops, their friends may be planning how they will celebrate or the class are making something special for their mums. All of this in the run up to Mother’s Day can leave a child whose mother has died feeling sad, alone and unsure about what to do.
Mother’s Day Ideas for Bereaved Children
- Go for a walk in a place they liked
- Have their favourite meal/Bake a cake
- Visit the grave
- Make time to think about Mum
- Talk about Mum
- Release a (biodegradable) balloon with a message
- Write down favourite memories
- Plant bulbs to flower in Summer
- Buy or make a Mother’s Day card
- Light a candle
Mother’s Day Thoughts for Teachers
Making a Mother’s Day card in class can be an enjoyable activity for many children and indeed it may be for some children who are grieving the death of their mother, but it does require a very sensitive approach. Remember that grief is an ongoing journey for bereaved children. So if you are thinking about doing an activity to celebrate Mother’s Day, have a quiet word with the bereaved child. Let them decide if they would like to be part of the activity or not. The most important thing is to always give children a choice.