From the moment a child enters the world, they begin looking to the adults around them for guidance. And for many, that guiding light comes from a mother figure. Whether it’s a biological mom, stepmom, grandma, aunt, foster mom, or a chosen maternal presence—these women play a profound role in shaping the way young people view themselves, the world, and the choices they make.

At Informed Families, we believe prevention starts at home—and so often, it begins with the quiet strength and steady influence of a mother figure.

Why Mother Figures Matter

Children who feel supported and connected to a trusted adult are far more likely to make healthy decisions. Mother figures provide more than care—they model behavior, offer emotional support, and help create a foundation of safety and trust. These everyday interactions—packing lunches, cheering from the sidelines, or simply listening—build resilience and confidence that lasts a lifetime.

No matter the role, when a woman steps up to nurture, protect, and guide, she becomes a powerful force in a child’s life.

Healthy Influence in Action

A mother figure’s influence can be seen in everyday moments:

• Modeling wellness: From managing stress to avoiding risky behaviors like smoking or excessive drinking, kids notice the choices we make—and often copy them.

• Showing emotional intelligence: By handling emotions in a healthy way, mother figures teach children how to express themselves and cope with challenges.

• Staying present and involved: Whether it’s helping with homework or attending school events, showing up consistently reinforces security and trust.

• Fostering open dialogue: Creating a judgment-free zone encourages children and teens to ask questions, share concerns, and speak honestly.

Tips for Starting Conversations at Any Age

You don’t need the perfect words—just the willingness to listen, guide, and keep the conversation going. Here are some simple ways to engage based on age:

For Kids (Ages 5–10):

• “In our home, we take care of our bodies and our feelings. That’s part of being healthy.”

• “If anything ever makes you uncomfortable or confused, you can always talk to me.”

For Tweens (Ages 11–13):

• “Have you ever heard about kids trying things like vaping or drinking? What do you think about that?”

• “It’s okay to feel pressure sometimes. Let’s talk about how to handle it together.”

For Teens (Ages 14–18):

• “I want you to be able to talk to me about anything—even if it’s tough or uncomfortable.”

• “What are your friends saying about drugs or drinking? I’m here to help you navigate it.”

Progress Over Perfection

Being a mother figure doesn’t mean having all the answers. What matters most is presence, consistency, and care. Even when conversations feel awkward or imperfect, they plant the seeds for trust, honesty, and lifelong decision-making skills.

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate all the women—moms, grandmas, godmothers, stepmoms, aunts, mentors, and caregivers—who step into this powerful role. Your influence shapes futures, protects children, and empowers healthy choices every day.

Need help getting the conversation started? Visit our Parent Tools & Resources for age-specific tips and support.