We Love You Great Grandma: Sharing Memories to Help Children Cope with the Death of a Loved One
Whether it is a pet or a family member, one of the toughest things to deal with as a parent is death. We’ve lost two dogs and a dear friend, who was the father of my daughter’s good friend, and last weekend, my grandmother died. Although my children had only met her a handful of times, my grief and loss was shared with my children. I can’t hide in the closet and cry.
I have always been honest with my children, and I want them to view death as naturally as they consider birth. It is a celebration of life. At times, it is relief to have young children around to hold and hug. At other times, children complicate the picture with their needs which forces a parent to push their grief aside. One of the most healing activities in our family is to share memories of the loved one who has gone on to the next life.
