Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate love, nurture, and the people who care for us, But for children in foster care, Mother's Day can bring a mix of emotions. While many children associate the day with celebration and love, for children in care it may bring up a mix of feelings – gratitude, sadness, longing, or confusion. Whether they’re living with a foster family or in another care setting, it’s important to recognise that this day means something different for every child.
This guide offers practical tips for foster carers, schools, and professionals on how to approach Mother’s Day in foster care with empathy, sensitivity, and support.
For children in foster care, Mother’s Day may come with a complex set of feelings. Some children will feel a strong connection to their birth mothers and miss them deeply, while others may have difficult memories associated with their early experiences. Some may struggle with loyalty – wanting to celebrate their foster mum while also honouring their birth mum.
Foster carers can support children by being open to these complex emotions, and by reassuring them that all feelings are valid.
Even when children are no longer in contact with their birth mothers, those relationships can remain deeply significant. Some children may want to do something to mark the day, while others may prefer not to.
Foster carers can help children mark Mother's Day in a way that feels right for them, whether that means:
It’s important to remember that not every child will want to acknowledge the day, and that’s okay too.
Foster mums play a huge role in a child’s life, offering stability, love, and care when it’s needed most. For children who have built a strong bond with their foster mum, Mother’s Day can be an opportunity to show appreciation, just as in any family.
For foster mums, this can also be an emotional day. Many step into the role of “mum” without expecting recognition, simply wanting to provide love and care. Mother’s Day is a chance to remind them how valued they are.
Celebrations might look different for each child. Some may want to make a card, bake a cake, or simply say, “Thank you.” Others may feel unsure, and it’s important to reassure them that there’s no right or wrong way to mark the day.
For foster mums, this can also be an emotional day. Many step into the role of “mum” without expecting recognition, simply wanting to provide love and care. Mother’s Day is a chance to remind them how valued they are.
Here are some ways foster carers, social workers, and schools can help children navigate this day with sensitivity:
Not every child in care will have a traditional mother figure in their life. Some may look up to a grandmother, aunt, older sister, or even a male carer who has taken on a nurturing role. Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate all the people who provide love and care—whoever they may be.
A simple way to make Mother’s Day more inclusive is by shifting the language from “Mum” to “someone who cares for you”, ensuring every child feels included.
Mother’s Day is a deeply personal experience for every child in care. Whether it’s a day of joy, reflection, or quiet remembrance, the most important thing is to offer support, patience, and understanding.
For foster mums, birth mums, and all those who nurture and care for children—your love makes a difference every single day.
However this day is marked, let’s make it one of kindness, inclusivity, and care.
Reach out for any questions and enquiries. A member of our fostering team will get back to you as soon as possible.
