For Parents of Little Ones

Father’s Day and Mother’s Day can bring up sad feelings for children who don’t have a mom or dad at home. What can we do to honor those days in a sensitive way?

Here are some ideas from parents who have transformed potentially painful days into celebrations:

“If a parent has passed away, you could celebrate by eating their favorite dinner or sharing favorite memories.” —Hayley H.

“Our Primary has foster children, adopted children, and children who live with grandparents or single parents. One Mother’s Day, I made a page for everyone to color and told the kids to pick a woman in their lives who had helped them, someone they looked up to, and to color the card for her. It seemed to go over really well!” —Rachel R.

“My father wasn’t present growing up, but I had male role models (uncles, teachers, ward members) who cared about me. I wrote them notes or brought them cookies for Father’s Day. It’s also OK to skip the holiday and just celebrate it as another day we’ve been given here on earth.” —Chelsea R.

“I try to remind the kids that every family is different and that, no matter what, our Heavenly Parents will always be there for us.” —Erin H.