Mother’s Day is a moment to honour the love, dedication, and sacrifices of mothers. At Hope and Homes for Children, we like to celebrate the beauty of this day while also respecting the sensitivities around it – especially for children growing up without families.
Why do we celebrate Mother’s Day?
At its heart, Mother’s Day is about gratitude. It’s a time to recognise the unconditional love, care and sacrifices that mothers make every day. Whether they’re biological, adoptive, foster or maternal figures, mothers shape lives, nurture futures, and provide the warmth of a family.
However, Mother’s Day is also a day of reflection and inclusivity. Not everyone has the opportunity to celebrate it with their mother. Some people have lost their mothers, some have strained relationships, and of course many children are confined in orphanages far from the love and care of family.
At Hope and Homes for Children, we advocate for children like Tabita, who are separated from their families. We ensure that they experience the love and security that every child deserves.
Tabita’s story
Tabita* was just four when she was taken away from her family because they couldn’t afford her education.
“There was no good school in our village,” explains Megha*, Tabita’s mum. Unable to pay for school, an orphanage seemed like Tabita’s chance at a better future. “I didn’t want to send her away,” recalls Megha. “It felt like an explosion in my heart.”
Tabita still remembers those first fearful nights away from home. “They lined us up, stripped us naked and made us take a bath. I didn’t understand. I was terrified.”
Tabita lived in the orphanage for six long years. When she was sick, no one took care of her. She often went to sleep hungry. And instead of receiving the education her mum had dreamed for her, Tabita received regular physical abuse.
“We were beaten a lot,” she remembers. “We were always afraid. If one of us made a mistake, we were all punished. I longed to escape and go back home.”
Taken away from her family at such a young age, Tabita forgot her own mother’s face. She even forgot her native language.
When our local partners began closing Tabita’s orphanage and reuniting the children inside with their families, at long last Tabita saw her mother for the first time in years. “She was covered in lice,” Megha remembers tearfully. “We both cried a lot.”
Tabita’s Reintegration Officer with our partner The Himalayan Innovative Society supported Tabita’s family with everything they needed to bring her home. We provided counselling, food and school supplies, covering Tabita’s tuition fees so she’d never be separated from Megha again. At last, Tabita was freed from the orphanage and reunited with her family. Where she belongs.
“I’m very happy to be living back home,” Tabita says. “Most of all I enjoy playing with my sisters. And talking and sharing with my mother.”
Sensitivity and understanding on Mother’s Day:
While Mother’s Day is a joyful celebration for many, it can be painful for others. For example:
💔 For those who have lost their mother, the day is a reminder of what’s missing.
💔 For mothers who have lost a child, it can be one of the hardest days of the year.
💔 For women struggling with infertility or miscarriage, it can be an isolating experience.
💔 For children in orphanages or foster care, it may highlight the absence of a nurturing family.
This is why we must approach Mother’s Day with compassion and inclusivity. We can celebrate mothers while also recognising those who find the day difficult.
Mother’s Day and the power of family-based care
At Hope and Homes for Children, we believe that every child deserves the love of a family. In many countries, children are still placed in orphanages – cold, institutional settings that lack the safety and care that a family can provide. We work to get children Back to Family.
👩👧 A mother’s love is irreplaceable, but when a biological mother isn’t present, a nurturing, loving family can change a child’s life.
💛 We work to reunite families, support parents in crisis, and create alternative family care for children without parents.
🏡 We advocate for care system reform, pushing for policies that replace orphanages with family-based care.
On this Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the mothers in our lives – but also support children who long for family love.
Choosing thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts
Gifts are a traditional part of Mother’s Day, allowing people to express their love and appreciation. While flowers, chocolates, and personalised items are popular choices, you can also give a gift that makes a difference.
Meaningful Mother’s Day Gift ideas:
🎁 A donation in her honour – Support a cause that helps children grow up in loving families. A charity donation on behalf of your mother can be a heartfelt and impactful way to celebrate.
🌱 Gifts that give back – Consider ethically sourced gifts, handmade crafts by mothers in need, or items that support charitable projects.
💌 A handwritten letter – Sometimes, a simple, heartfelt message means more than any material gift. Expressing gratitude can be the most precious gift of all.
🤲 Acts of kindness – Volunteer together, support a struggling mother in your community, or sponsor a child’s future.
By choosing a gift that extends love beyond your family, you can make Mother’s Day a day of giving and hope for children who need it most.
How you can make a difference this Mother’s Day
This year, alongside showing appreciation for the mothers in your life, consider helping children who dream of having a loving family.
💛 Donate – Help us reunite children with their families.
💛 Spread Awareness – Share the importance of family-based care.
💛 Send a Message of Hope – Encourage children waiting to be reunited with their loved ones.
Together, we can make Mother’s Day meaningful for every child—because no child should grow up without the love and care of a family.
The history and origins of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day, as we know it today, has roots in ancient traditions and modern movements.
• Ancient Celebrations – The concept of honouring mothers dates back thousands of years. The Greeks and Romans held festivals for maternal goddesses like Rhea and Cybele, while early Christians celebrated “Mothering Sunday,” a day when people returned to their home churches and honoured mothers.
• Modern Mother’s Day – The official Mother’s Day was established in the United States by Anna Jarvis in 1908. Inspired by her late mother’s dedication to social causes, she campaigned for a national day to honor all mothers. By 1914, Mother’s Day became an official U.S. holiday, and the idea quickly spread worldwide.
• Global Adoption – Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated in more than 50 countries, though the date varies. While many countries, like the U.S. and Canada, observe it on the second Sunday of May, others celebrate at different times:
◦ UK & Ireland – Mothering Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent)
◦ France – Last Sunday in May
◦ Romania, Ukraine, Moldova – June 1st (aligned with Children’s Day)
◦ India and Nepal – October 7th in 2024
*Names have been changed to protect identities
