Every May, we celebrate mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures throughout the United States. Mother’s Day is the perfect day to pay tribute to them — this year, it'll be celebrated on Sunday, May 9.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Mother’s Day Messages for Your Mom
- Mother’s Day Messages for Your Grandmother
- Mother’s Day Messages for Your Mother-in-Law
- Mother’s Day Messages for a New Mom or Mom-to-Be
- Mother’s Day Messages for Your Sister
- Mother’s Day Messages for Your Daughter
- Mother’s Day Messages for Your Friend
- Mother’s Day Messages for a Mother Figure
- Mother’s Day Messages for a Mom That’s Far Away
But what can you say to the person who’s done so much for you? Here, we share some suggestions for sweet, heartfelt Mother's Day messages for the maternal figure in your life. You can use these messages as an inspiration to write something that will brighten your mom’s day.
Mother’s Day Messages for Your Mom
Mothers do more than just give us life. They teach us right from wrong. They bandage our scrapes. They hug us when we’re sad and celebrate with us when we’re happy. Here are some messages that express appreciation for everything that moms do. You can also explore these other Mother’s Day ideas to pay tribute to your mom.
1. “I know I haven’t always been an easy child to parent. Thank you for always being there for me, even when I didn’t appreciate it.”
Teenagers often end up clashing with their mothers. But that doesn’t have to set the tone for your entire relationship. You can affirm your commitment to doing better moving forward.
2. “Everything I have accomplished is because of your example. Thank you for teaching me how to do my best.”
Giving credit where credit is due is always appreciated.
3. “You are the best mother I could have asked for. I wish everyone was lucky enough to have a mom like you.”
Not everyone is lucky enough to have an exceptional mother. Be sure to let your mom know that you realize you’re lucky to have her.
Mother’s Day Messages for Your Grandmother
There’s an old saying that goes, “A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” Grandmas often play a special role in helping raise children. If your grandmother has played a huge role in raising you, you can honor her. You can also explore getting Mother’s Day gifts for your grandma to accompany your message.
4. “I have a great mom, and I know that’s because she had a great mom as well. I will use both of your examples in raising your granddaughter. Thank you for leading by example.”
Before your grandma was a grandparent, she was a mom. You can honor both of those roles in a Mother’s Day message.
5. “I have so many happy childhood memories of baking cookies at your house and having slumber parties. Thank you for creating such a fun space for us.”
Grandmas often step in to help out their family members by taking care of the kids. Let her know how much that meant to you.
6. “When times were hard for me, I always knew I could come to you for words of wisdom and a comforting hug. Thank you for being my safe haven.”
Sometimes you experience challenges that you don’t want to talk about with our own parents. If your grandmother was the person you could lean on, be sure to express your gratitude.
Mother’s Day Messages for Your Mother-in-Law
Mothers-in-law get a bad rap. They’re the subject of countless jokes and complaint-filled internet posts. But mothers-in-law can be incredibly warm and nurturing. Here are some messages to help them feel appreciated and loved.
7. “Thank you for welcoming me into your family. I lost my own mother when I was young. You’ve helped fill that hole in my life. I’m so proud to call you Mom.”
It’s never too late to gain a maternal figure in your life. A good mother-in-law will treat you like one of her own.
8. “Thank you for raising such an amazing son. He is such a good person, and I know that has a lot to do with you.”
Grown children are often the way they are because of how they were raised. Acknowledge the role your mother-in-law played in raising your life partner.
9. “You are such a wonderful grandmother. We appreciate everything you do to help us.”
It takes a village to raise a child. If your mother-in-law is part of that village, make sure to give her credit!
Mother’s Day Messages for a New Mom or Mom-to-Be
Do you know a new mom who’s about to have or just had a new baby? You may want to send a sweet message if you’re the mother’s partner or if you’re another family member. Here are some potential messages for a new mother or a soon-to-be mom. You can even consider pairing the message with one of these thoughtful, DIY gift ideas.
10. “I know how much you’ve been looking forward to having a child. When she gets here, you’ll be an amazing mother.”
Expectant mothers should be praised on Mother’s Day! Send a sweet message to your friend to celebrate her impending motherhood.
11. “You’ve taken to motherhood with the same skill and passion you use throughout other areas of your life. I’m proud of you.”
New moms can second-guess themselves. Be sure to affirm that they’re doing an amazing job.
12. “I love getting to watch you with your son. It’s so clear how much you love him.”
Give specific praise to new mothers. They’ll be happy that you notice their efforts.
Mother’s Day Messages for Your Sister
Becoming an aunt or uncle is nearly as exciting as becoming a parent. You get all the cuddles and cuteness of kids without the responsibilities of parenting. If your sister has kids, she deserves to hear about what a great job she’s doing. All mothers deserve support — praise and compliments will mean a lot coming from a close sibling.
13. “Thank you for making me an uncle. It’s the best title change I’ve ever had.”
When your sister has a child, she gets promoted to mom. Let her know how happy you are when you get your own promotion to aunt or uncle.
14. “Our own childhood was so challenging. I’m so impressed with the way you parent, even if we didn’t have the best example growing up.”
Moms who come from difficult home situations often worry that they won’t be good parents. Let your sister know that she’s doing a good job of breaking the cycle.
15. “You’ve always been so good at whatever you try. Motherhood is no exception. Keep being amazing.”
If you’ve always been proud of your sister, let her know. You can give her accolades along with praising her parenting skills.
Mother’s Day Messages for Your Daughter
When your daughter grows up and has children of her own, you get a new job title of “grandparent.” But that doesn’t mean you stop being a parent to her. She can use your support and guidance more than ever as she adjusts to her own new role. Here are some encouraging messages you can share.
16. “I know I wasn’t always the best mother, and I’m so sorry about that. But you are such a great mom.”
Difficult parent-child relationships can often originate with the parents. If you were a less-than-ideal parent, you can acknowledge it and try to make amends.
17. “Watching you with your kids reminds me of taking care of you the same way when you were little.”
When your kids have children of their own, it can spark feelings of nostalgia you can share.
18. “I’m so proud of what an awesome mother you are.”
Sometimes all our kids really need is our praise.
Mother’s Day Messages for Your Friend
You know how important it is to have friends that understand the ups and downs of parenthood. On Mother’s Day, don’t forget to pay tribute to your mom friends.
19. “Being a mom is so awesome, but so challenging at times. You make it look so easy, though.”
Moms can often have a lot of insecurity about how they’re doing. Praise from friends can help them feel uplifted.
20. “I know raising kids on your own has been hard. You’re doing an amazing job. I admire your strength and patience.”
Single moms of young kids don’t always have people to encourage them. Step up and be that person.
21. “I’m so grateful to have a friend like you who understands what parenthood is like. Happy Mother’s Day!”
If you’re a mother, having friends who are mothers is invaluable. Be sure to let your mom friends know what they mean to you.
Mother’s Day Messages for a Mother Figure
Not all of us are lucky enough to have a mother in our lives. But we may have had someone step up and fill that role for us. Here are some words of appreciation for the maternal figure in your life.
22. “You aren’t just a stepmother to me. You’re my mom.”
Some stepparents become just as important to you as your biological parents.
23. “Thank you for being my mentor.”
Parents can lead us to greatness. Mentors can become as important to us as your parents, thanks to their leadership.
24. “You didn’t have to be there for me. I’ll never be able to express how much I appreciate it.”
When someone steps up for an absent parent, it’s a gift. Be sure to say thank you.
Mother’s Day Messages for a Mom Who’s Far Away
In modern society, family members don’t always stay close to home. Marriage and careers can take you far away from your family and friends. Here are some great words to express how much you care about your mom even if there’s a vast distance between you.
25. “I wish I could be there with you to celebrate Mother’s Day.”
Your mom is probably missing you on Mother’s Day. Let her know the feeling is mutual.
26. “I may be far away, but my love for you is enough to fill that distance. Let’s video chat later so I can see your face on Mother’s Day.”
Thanks to technology, the distance between loved ones can be mitigated. Remind your mom that you can still see her, even if it’s not in person.
27. “I sent you a gift for Mother’s Day. I love you.”
Gifts are definitely a love language. If it’s a love language that resonates with your mother, she’ll appreciate it a lot.
Speak From Your Heart and Tell Your Mother How Much You Love Her
Mother’s Day is a great time to express your love for your mother or grandmother. But you don’t have to wait for this one day. Get into the practice of expressing your appreciation year-round! Your mother will appreciate it more than you know.
If your mom has passed away, it can be hard observing your first Mother’s Day without Mom. You can still find ways to say “Happy Mother’s Day in heaven, Mom.”