05/10/2026
When someone doesn’t have a mom to call or visit, Mother’s Day can really hurt. If you have a friend or loved one who is in this position, here are a few ways you can support them:
1️⃣ Say their mother’s name. Grieving people often wish that others would say the name of the person who died. It reminds them that others are remembering their mom and missing her too.
2️⃣ Share memories, especially if you knew the parent. If you’ve known your friend for a while, you may have spent some time with their mother. Share the gift of remembering how much she meant to you. It’ll mean the world to your friend.
3️⃣ Remind them that you and others are there. If your friend lost a parent, one of their main connections is missing. Remind them that they are still connected to others. They still need a community for those moments when grief bubbles up again.
4️⃣ Do something thoughtful. Simple gestures, like a note or text to let your friend know you’re thinking of them this Mother’s Day, can make them feel less alone. Be there to listen if they want to talk.
5️⃣ Don’t try to fix things or cheer them up. No matter how long it’s been, your friend may still be very sad. The goal isn’t to help your friend have a “happy” Mother’s Day. It’s perfectly fine if they hate the day or choose to ignore it—they just need to feel supported.
6️⃣ Avoid complaining about your family. We can all good-naturedly complain about our mothers from time to time. For someone who has lost their mother, those comments can sting, especially on Mother’s Day.
Love and simple acknowledgment from friends and family can make a world of difference 💙
For more ideas on how to support your loved ones through a challenging Mother's Day, head to this link for our Mother's Day resource page: optionb.org/how-to-get-support-on-mothers-day
