CareSouth foster carer Kate Pugh will join a host of mum’s across the country waking up to the smell of burnt toast this Mother’s Day.

And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

For the past four years Mrs Pugh, her husband Mat and their three young kids have opened up their hearts and their home to children in out-of-home-care. Earlier this year the Pughs became long-term foster carers to two siblings who are thriving in a house full of “love, laughter, noise and chaos”.

On Sunday there will be a line of five children outside Mrs Pugh’s bedroom all jostling to bring her tepid tea and hand-crafted cards.

“Seeing the kids when they come in with their dodgy presents bought from the school mother’s day stall will make my day. They really care about making it special for me,” said Mrs Pugh. “I will probably be waking up to the smell of burnt toast but that’s okay.”

Mrs Pugh is one of nine children. She and her husband became foster carers not only because they wanted their children to grow up in a big family but “to make a difference to the kids that come into our home”.

“If anything happened to me I know there would be 20 people lined up to look after my kids,” said Mrs Pugh. “I couldn’t stand the thought of any child not having that. I really believe that we could solve all problems in society if kids have a decent start to life. Our children don’t really belong to us they belong to all of society, they are everyone’s children and everyone has the privilege and responsibility of raising children to be the best they can be.

“Mother’s Day really makes me appreciate what my Mum did. My Mum and Dad raised nine kids and that’s just mind-blowing. People would say ‘your mum must be amazing’ and of course she was. But you have a deeper understanding of what that means when you become a mum yourself. I wanted to be able to give that to my kids. And because I come from a big family I’m used to the noise and the chaos,” laughed Mrs Pugh.

Mrs Pugh admits it is a squash and squeeze in a household of seven but says it is not about the room you have in your home, rather the room you have in your heart.

“The kids don’t care that we are in a tiny house living on top of one another, what they care about is having other kids around to play with and having a safe place to come home to,” said Mrs Pugh.

Mrs Pugh is also well aware that Mother’s Day can be a difficult time for children who are in care, as well as their birth parents.

“It will be interesting to see how the kids go. It can be a really hard day, thinking about how birth parents will be without their kids. No matter what their past they are still their birth parents,” said Mrs Pugh.

“We always buy (birth parents) presents and a card.”

It is this empathy and compassion that allows Mrs Pugh to be sensitive to the needs of children in care and their families, while also celebrating the day surrounded by those she loves in her ever-growing household.

CareSouth psychologist Melissa Battista says Mother’s Day can be quite isolating for those who have lost their mums or those who don’t have their mums in their lives.

Ms Battista says if someone you know is grieving on Mother’s Day be mindful of their loss and be guided by their needs.

“If they want to talk, listen. Don’t impart your beliefs or what you think they should be doing. Just be present with the person,” said Ms Battista.

“Let them know you are thinking of them, be there to just listen and acknowledge that you wish you could make it better.”

For those who don’t have their mum to celebrate Mother’s Day with Ms Battista recommends “mothering yourself”.

“If your mum isn’t here to treat, do something nice for yourself because she is a part of you too,” said Ms Battista.

“Find a way to include your mum in your day like planting a flower. Keeping her memory alive can be a comfort; mum’s presence is still felt even though she’s not physically there.”

Ms Battista also suggests honouring female friends, relatives or visiting someone else’s mum with whom you are close.

If you would like more information about becoming a foster carer with CareSouth Click here.