The word credit can be used to give praise, approval or honour. Specifically, it can be used by someone who has been or is responsible for you to receive praise by your good behaviour or successful actions:
So in your example, the mothers children could have been really well behaved, kind, generous. If someone observes this they could say that those children do their mother credit. Implying that the mother has done an excellent job of raising them.
Hope this helps!