How to Deal With the Death of a Parent?

Photo Courtesy: JoePenna

Death of a parent can evoke many emotions in a child like sadness, anger, loneliness or even indifference at times. All these feelings are dependent on the relationship the child had with his parent. Nevertheless the death of a parent is definitely a sensitive time in a child’s life. The entire course of life takes a new turn and it is quite an overwhelming time. It is very important to help children get over this situation and support them in letting out their emotions. There are certain ways in which children can be helped in dealing with the death of a parent.

1. Encourage the child to express his emotions

The first and foremost thing to do is to encourage the child to express his/her emotions out in the open. At this sensitive time, it is only normal that the child will find it difficult to talk about the situation and keep his/her feelings to himself. But that will not help the situation and only help to worsen it further. Hence it becomes quite essential that their feelings find a way to get out and the children are free of their burden.

2. Make the child write his/her emotions

Expressing feelings orally is definitely a way to feel better but there are certain people who find it difficult to speak what they feel. In such situations a person can take help of other creative ways to bring out what they are feeling. One such method is writing, when a child is unable to talk about his/her emotions then he/she can be motivated to write them down. One way or the other if the kid is able to free himself/herself of his grief it is definitely a good thing.

3. Give time

It is also important to give time to the children to absorb their loss and become the way they used to be. There might be certain changes in a child’s behavior on the death of his/her parent. So it is essential to let him/her regress for a while and give him/her time to make things as they were before.

4. Get help from the child’s school

The family of the child must speak with the school authorities at a time like this. It is possible that the child might have problems concentrating in his/her studies while he/she is coping with the death of his/her parent. The school authorities and teachers might help the child during this time by decreasing his/her workload and supporting him/her in his studies.

5. Go for family counseling sessions

Family counseling sessions are also a great help for the child. There are certain situations in which the family is unable to help the child in such difficult times. There is no reason to worry as family counseling sessions are a safe place where children can speak freely and express whatever is going on in their minds. These sessions can prove to be helpful during the mourning process.

Undoubtedly, the loss of a parent is irreplaceable. Coping with such situations can be really difficult for anyone. With love, care and support the children will find it a bit easy to face these hard times and let out their emotions and start their life afresh.