One of the hard topics that ScottCounseling receives each year is working with families before, during and after a death. Losing a loved one is difficult and often painful. Various times, events and celebrations are often cancelled or not celebrated as they may have been if the loved one was still part of the family. Our culture in the U.S. does not do enough to provide teaching and coping strategies to help us get through the hard times of grief and loss. Dr. Robin Goodman has some positive, uplifting suggestions to help you and your child during the holidays after experiencing the loss of a love one.
Special Celebrations and Holidays: Helping Bereaved
For bereaved children and families, traditional events or holidays may be difficult. They may trigger a re-experiencing of feelings that have begun to subside or bring on new feelings such as sadness or anger. Some of these occasions are obvious; Christmas, Mother’s Day, the first day of school, without the person who has died. But throughout life there are many situations and occasions that have more private meaning, that may make the loss of a loved one more poignant — a new baby’s first steps or high school graduation without a husband, wife, mother or father to share the joy.
