Supporting Each Other
Photo © CorbisSpending time together, reassuring and taking care of one another, and keeping to routines can help your child understand that, although much has changed, you still are a family.
Take care of yourself first. Maintaining your health and well-being allows you to better take care of the family. Allow others to step in and help.
- Maintain healthy routines. Do activities that you and your family enjoy and help you feel calm.
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Cry together. It’s OK to let your child see you cry or even to cry together. Explain why you are crying. Reassure your child that you are just feeling sad, that you are all right, and that it sometimes helps to let the feelings out in this way.
A Special Journey
“[My son and I] have had many tears over the years, but the closeness we share is priceless... He continues to be my inspiration, my courage, and my faith to live on and [reminds me] that life can be found after loss... Our journey is the glue that binds our love stronger than steel and what propels us to love and take care of each other forever.”—
- Allow for differences. Each family member may grieve differently and at a different pace. Regardless of how grief is experienced, you and your family can find comfort and strength through other loved ones around you.
- Protect childhood. Allow your child to be a child. This applies especially to older children, who may have new responsibilities but still need opportunities for fun and play.
- Share hope. Offer positive ways of thinking about the future such as, “We’re going to be fine. We’re still a family, and we will heal.”
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When Families Grieve™ was developed by Sesame Workshop.
