This Review consists of two essays. The first on Migrant’ children: making sense of their development and welfare in the context of the attachment theory uses three research studies, carried out in different years, and the analysis is conducted from the premise that relationships are the key to connecting children’s personal and social worlds. The second is excerpts from the Summary Report ‘Left Behind, Left Out: The Impact on Children and Families of Mothers Migrating for Work Abroad’ by Save the Children in Sri Lanka. This contributes new research findings and makes the point that mechanisms and structures (to look into the impact on children and families that are left behind) are either not in place or extremely weak. Both essays are divided into sub-categories and use research findings to convey their points. They contribute to the Review by viewing issues of absent maternal figures from different angles.