When a loved one dies, it is important that you understand there’s no single specific way to grieve or mourn. Everyone copes with death in an individual way. Some general coping methods can help you through this difficult time and there are suggestions that you can implement to help your children cope with the death of a loved one.
The First Few Days
Many people describe the first few days following the death of a loved one as blurry. It’s as if life is going on around them but they aren’t fully present. It’s during those blurry days that decisions and plans must be made. It’s okay to rely on family and friends to help you through the first few days. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance and advice from professionals in the funeral business. Quite often they can reduce your stress by handling various details of the funeral arrangements.
Helping Children Cope with Death
As a parent, you know how specific to be regarding the explanation of death. Age and a child’s level of maturity are key factors to consider. Explain death to your children on a level they can understand. When questions arise, answer them honestly in a short, concise manner. Lengthy explanations can be confusing for young children.
Honoring Your Loved One
A memorial service is a service that is held a period of time after a funeral or cremation. It is a service to honor your loved one. Friends and family gather to share memories and experiences related to the deceased. Once again, you can rely on professionals to assist you in designing a memorial service that is personalized for your loved one. A memorial service can provide the closure that you and other family members need.
No one is ever fully prepared to say goodbye to a loved one. Leaning on family and friends can help you through this difficult time. You might also want to consider attending bereavement meetings people gather to share feelings and experiences and offer support for each other.