Helping Children With The Death of a Parent

By: Tom Gallagher
Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Losing a parent is never easy, regardless of your age. However, the experience can be particularly traumatic for young children. Parents are their safety net and they provide stability. Each parent is a vital part of their child’s world so losing one can make them feel insecure. At Gallagher Funeral Home, we have seen families struggle to deal with grieving children. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Convey the News Clearly

It can be difficult to break the news to a child, but it must be done. Don’t leave any room for confusion or misunderstanding. Many adults try to soften the blow by using vague terms or phrases. That can cause distress and confusion in a time when children need stability more than anything.

2. Maintain Routines

Children have a self-centered outlook and will worry about how the loss of a parent impacts their life. It is important to establish some stability early on by maintaining routines. If the parent was in-charge of dropping the child off to school, make sure there’s someone who can take up that task and continue the routine.

3. Let Them Release Their Emotions

Children need an outlet to release their emotions. Let them cry, rage, scream, or become quiet. Asking them to behave will only add to their emotional stress and cause long-term problems.

4. From a Safety Net Around the Child

When a child loses a parent, they temporarily lose both parents. Spouses are in deep mourning as well and need some time to find their emotional stability. Family members can step in and provide the child with some stability. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, etc, can jump in to offer practical and emotional support.

If you need help on funeral-related matters or want to know more about our services here at Gallagher Funeral Home, contact us or give us a call at 318-640-1375 today.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.
Refresh
Audio

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Does A Funeral Service Have To Be Held In A Funeral Home Or Church?

Traditionally, funeral services have been held in funeral homes or churches. However, modern funeral practices have evolved, allowing for more flexibility in choosing a location for honoring and re...

When I Bury Or Entomb Cremated Remains, Can I Keep A Separate Small Amount?

When faced with the complex and emotional issue of how to dispose of a loved one's body, many families discover that cremation is both a practical and affordable choice. What happens to the cremate...

Can I Supply My Own Container For Cremated Remains?

As the cost of traditional funerals skyrockets, more and more people are turning to cremation as a budget-friendly alternative that still honors their loved ones' final wishes. However, at Thomas G...

We Personalize So Much in Our Lives, Why Should Our Funeral Be Any Different?

Many aspects of our lives are tailored to reflect each person's distinct personality and interests. We all have our own sense of style, taste, and special occasions. We cook food based on our taste...

Making Sense Of Intense Emotions

Intense emotions are a natural part of the human experience, but they can be overwhelming and challenging to navigate. It's normal to feel a range of emotions, including joy, anger, sadness, and fe...

Ways To Personalize Your Loved One's Gravesite

The gravesite of a loved one can serve as a place for reflection, remembrance, and honoring their memory. When you personalize your loved one’s gravesite, the spot can become even more special and ...

Can I Rent A Casket For A Ceremony/Gathering Before Cremation?

At Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, we know that planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one can be emotionally challenging, and the decisions surrounding the disposition of the body ca...

Can I Still Have A Gathering/Visitation/Service If I Choose Cremation?

Although the concept of cremation may be novel to some, the practice has a long and storied history. Many cremation urns of different types have been discovered in ancient tombs. Those who don't wa...

Can I Scatter Cremated Remains On My Own Property?

Many people turn to Greenwich CT Funeral Homes, like Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, for pre-planning or cremation services. When a family decides to cremate a loved one, one of their primary con...

Where Can I Scatter Cremated Remains?

One of the most common concerns expressed by families that cremate a loved one is what they will do with the ashes. Scattering cremated remains in a meaningful site is a common practice, although i...