grief
How can I discuss death and dying with my kids?
Dear Mama Drama: I have two children ages 3 and 5. We have a family member who has been diagnosed with cancer and her prognosis does not look good at this point. I’m not sure how to tell my children about this or even if I should tell them. I also don’t know how much to tell them. Death was not something discussed openly in my family growing up and I have always been uncomfortable talking about it. I want to change that for my children, so any ideas you have will be greatly appreciated. ~ Uncertain Mama (photo credit) Dear Uncertain:
Finding the Christmas Spirit after the Loss of a Spouse
Dealing with the holidays after the loss of a loved one isn’t easy for anyone. Believe me, I know. I used to be the kind of woman who had all of her Christmas shopping done by the beginning of October and her decorations up during Thanksgiving weekend. I was so together that anything that needed to be mailed to family out of state was packed up and at the post office no later than December 10th in order to avoid the holiday rush. And I was so excited for Christmas that I couldn’t narrow down my cookie selection so I made them all, cheerfully placing them in tins and delivering them to my neighbors with a smile and a “Merry Christmas!” But in 2007, all of that changed.
Father’s Day: An Emotional Day When You’re Celebrating Without A Father
Father’s Day is not what it used to be. I’ve gotten used to many of the milestones I have faced since I became a widow, almost 4 years ago. I can jolly us through Christmas and be thankful on Thanksgiving. I can even look at his birthday as a celebration of his life. But Father’s Day is a day devoted to celebrating fathers. And the fact that my kids have lost theirs…well…that can’t be glossed over.
Assess, Ask and Act: How You Can Support Someone Through Loss and Transition
Assess, Ask, and Act: The three steps to successfully and sincerely helping a friend through loss and transition.
Big Feelings in Little Bodies: Denver’s Resources for Grieving Kids
Imagine this. You suddenly start crying and you can’t figure out what triggered it. You feel angry at the world because you’ve just learned that life isn’t fair. You’re grieving because you are living without someone you were never meant to lose. Now imagine that you’re seven years old.
