In preparation for Mother’s Day on Sunday, it’s easy to get wrapped up in brunch plans, flowers, and everything that appreciates mum. But often overlooked are the millions of people who have lost their mothers, making this time of year especially difficult for those grieving in silence.
What can be even more challenging is knowing how to support a friend or coworker whose mother has passed away, whether recently or some time ago.
Australian not-for-profit Motherless Daughters Australia has teamed up with Moonpig to launch a range of grief cards shaped by lived experience, designed to help us better support the friends, sisters, colleagues, and women around us who are missing their mum.
Motherless Daughters was founded in 2013 by two Australian women looking to create a network for women who had recently lost their mothers. Over the past decade, it has grown into a national network supporting women who have lost their mothers.
Approximately 1.2 million women have experienced mother loss in Australia before the age of 44.
What you can do
Supporting a friend during this time does not require grand gestures. Often, simple kindness, acknowledgement and presence can make the biggest difference. Whether their loss is recent or many years old, knowing someone is thinking of them can help ease the loneliness that grief often brings on milestone days like Mother’s Day.
Acknowledge the day: Don’t ignore the fact that Mother’s Day may be difficult. A simple message such as “Thinking of you today” can mean far more than people realise.
Avoid clichés: Phrases like “she’s in a better place” or “time heals everything” can feel dismissive. Instead, offer genuine empathy and let them talk if they want to.
Share a memory: If you knew their mother, mentioning a memory can be deeply comforting. Hearing that their loved one is remembered helps keep their presence alive.
Check in before the day: The lead-up to Mother’s Day can often be harder than the day itself. Reach out in advance and ask how they’re feeling or if they’d like company.
Offer practical support: Grief can be emotionally draining. Offering to cook a meal, drop off coffee or help with errands can lighten the emotional load.
Respect how they choose to spend the day: Some people want distraction and company; others prefer quiet and solitude. Support their choice without judgement or pressure.
Be mindful on social media: Endless celebratory posts can intensify grief. Consider sending a private message rather than only posting publicly about the holiday.
Include them gently: If they’re alone, invite them for a walk, lunch or low-pressure gathering. Let them know there’s no obligation if they don’t feel up to it.
Remember grief doesn’t have a timeline: Whether their mother died recently or decades ago, Mother’s Day can still reopen emotional wounds. Avoid assuming they’ve “moved on.”
Simply listen: Often the best support is being present without trying to fix the pain. Giving someone space to talk about their mother — or cry, laugh or sit quietly — can be incredibly meaningful.
