Navigating Mother's Day
when you are grieving

Mothering Sunday can be seen as a gentle pause in the year, a moment to acknowledge the people who’ve offered care, steadiness, or guidance in our lives. For many, it’s a day to honour nurturing in all its forms-whether it comes from a parent, a relative, a friend, or someone who simply showed up when it mattered.

It can also be a space to sit with mixed emotions, allowing room for gratitude, healing, or reflection. At its core, it’s about recognising the relationships that have helped us grow and the kindness that has shaped who we are.

Mother’s Day can stir up grief in a way that feels sudden and overwhelming, especially when the person you want to honour is no longer here. It’s common to feel out of step with the world when everything around you is celebrating mothers, flowers, and family gatherings. Your experience is real, and it’s OK to acknowledge that this day may be painful, complicated, or simply different from what it used to be.

Grief doesn’t follow a straight line. Some years feel gentler, others feel raw again. Allowing yourself to recognise that this day might be hard is an act of care in itself.

Remember in a way that feels right for you 
saying her name or sharing a favourite memory can bring a sense of closeness. Talking to family about what you would like to do on the day can be helpful.  If talking about her feels too difficult, it’s ok to step away for a moment and gather yourself. You can still honour her quietly and privately.

Connect through familiar activities 
a walk you once shared, a favourite song, a recipe she loved, or a place that reminds you of her can help you feel grounded. These small rituals can offer comfort without needing to put your feelings into words.

Celebrate others without guilt 
if there are other women in your life you want to acknowledge, doing so doesn’t take anything away from your mum. Other family members may want to celebrate you! Love can hold more than one person at a time.

Create a small act of remembrance
a plant on the windowsill, a candle, feeding the birds, or writing a message on a memory wall can give you a gentle way to express what you’re feeling.

Supporting younger family members 
Children often benefit from simple ways to remember someone they’ve lost. Drawing pictures, looking at photos, or telling a short story about her can help them understand that remembering is part of loving.

Set boundaries around the day 
It’s ok to say no to plans that feel too heavy or to step back from social media if the constant reminders feel overwhelming.

Let yourself feel what you feel 
There’s no “right” way to grieve. Sadness, anger, numbness, gratitude, or even moments of joy can all sit side by side.

Reach out to someone you trust 
A friend, sibling, or colleague who understands your loss can make the day feel less lonely. Even a short conversation can help you feel supported.

Create a new tradition 
Lighting a candle, writing a letter, cooking her favourite meal, or taking a quiet moment at a particular time of day can give you a sense of connection and continuity.

Give yourself permission to rest 
Grief is tiring. If the day feels emotionally heavy, gentle rest—reading, watching something comforting, or simply taking time alone—can help you move through it with more ease.