Celebrating Mother Figures at Nursery

Mothering Sunday falls on Sunday 15 March 2026, and it’s always a lovely moment in the nursery calendar. It offers the children a chance to think about the people who care for them most and to celebrate those important relationships in a simple, heartfelt way. 

At Pendley Day Nursery, we recognise that every family is different. For some children, ‘mum’ is the person they see every day. For others, it may be a stepmum, grandmother, aunt, foster carer, or another special adult who provides love and support. Because of this, we talk with the children about the idea of a mother figure or someone special who looks after you. The aim is to keep the celebration warm and inclusive so that every child can take part comfortably. 

Talking about care and kindness

In the lead-up to Mothering Sunday, the children will spend time chatting about the people who look after them at home. These conversations often happen naturally during circle time or creative activities. Our team might ask simple questions such as: 

• Who helps you when you feel sad?
• Who reads stories with you at bedtime?
• Who gives you a cuddle when you need one?

These gentle discussions help children reflect on the people who care for them and encourage them to express appreciation in their own words. It is also a lovely way for them to build language skills and confidence as they share their thoughts. 

Creating something special

Of course, the highlight for many children is preparing a small surprise to take home. Handmade gifts are always far more meaningful than shop bought ones, and the children take great pride in what they create.

Depending on age and stage of development, activities might include: 

• Decorating a card with paint, stickers or drawings
• Creating a small craft gift
• Making a colourful handprint keepsake
• Practising a short message to share with their special person

The focus is not on perfection but on participation. The children enjoy choosing colours, experimenting with materials and talking about who their gift is for. Even the smallest scribble often carries a lot of meaning when it is given with such excitement. 

Building emotional understanding

Celebrations like Mothering Sunday can also help children develop empathy and emotional awareness. By thinking about what makes someone feel loved or appreciated, they begin to understand the value of kindness and gratitude. 

These early experiences help children learn that relationships are important and that small gestures, such as a card or a hug, can make someone feel very special. It is a gentle way of reinforcing the caring values we encourage throughout nursery life. 

A moment to celebrate family

For families, these handmade gifts often become treasured keepsakes. Many parents and carers tell us they still have cards and crafts from when their children were very small. It is a reminder of how quickly those early years pass.

Mothering Sunday is therefore not just about a single day. It is a chance to pause and recognise the many different ways children are loved and supported as they grow.

At Pendley Day Nursery, we look forward to helping the children prepare their little surprises and celebrate the special people in their lives. We hope they enjoy sharing them at home and that they bring a smile to the faces of those who receive them. 

To find out more about the nursery and book a showround, please telephone: 01442 967140 or email us at: info@pendleydaynursery.com. 

Right now we’re offering a FREE week’s childcare at the nursery. Find out more here: https://www.pendleydaynursery.com/one-week-of-free-childcare-for-new-starters.