Grief

Talking to kids about tragedy

Maureen Wallace — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:00:00 -0700

When evil strikes, our parental instinct is to reassure our kids that everything will be OK. But what can really help them feel safe is a measured blend of listening and honesty — once we've calmed down ourselves, of course!

How to cope on Mother's Day when you have lost a child

Kori Ellis — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Mother's Day is full of joy for most people. However, for those who have lost a child, it can be a very painful day. Though Mother's Day won't be easy if you've experience such a loss, these tips may help you cope and get through this challenging time.

Losing a pregnancy: When tears are not enough

Tonya Wertman — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:00:00 -0800

After each miscarriage I suffered, I felt a burning need to do something — or rather have something — to remind me and to acknowledge where we've been. I needed something to commemorate the tears and heartbreak; a way of memorializing five lives that never came to be and what the loss meant to me.

Healing after a pet's death

Colleen Crane, MSW, LCSW — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:35:00 -0800

We picked Annie out when my daughter was about a year old. We knew she was the dog for us when we walked by her cage at our local animal shelter and Annie nuzzled her face against the gate, asking for love. We had never considered getting an older dog, but once we witnessed the loving exchange between my daughter and Annie, we knew we had to take her home. We had Annie for about three years, and then had to make the choice to let her go.

Mom story: My daughter died from inhaling helium

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:00:00 -0800

On Feb. 18, 2012, Lori Earp’s 14-year-old daughter, Ashley Long, of Eagle Point, Oregon, went to a party with her girlfriends. What was meant to be a few fun thrills — inhaling helium from a pressurized tank — turned into Ashley’s last moments. Read how her family is trying to warn other parents and kids about the dangers of inhalants.

Parenting through grief

Sherri Kuhn — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 09:00:00 -0800

Losing a loved one is probably the worst thing that can happen to someone. When you are grieving a loss, continuing to be present as a parent can be difficult — especially if your children are grieving too. How can you give your children what they need during this time, when you aren’t even sure what you need?

Chasing the Dream: Finding the way out of the dark

Sarah W. Caron — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:00:00 -0800

On December 14, 2012, a gunman broke his way into Sandy Hook School and killed 20 children and six adults. My son is a survivor.

Parenting Guru: Help your kids feel safe at school

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Our hearts break every time we think about the families in Newtown, Connecticut, and how they’re struggling to cope with the horror of last Friday’s shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. In the midst of our sadness, we’re faced with needing to respond to our own kids’ queries about the attack, often clueless as to how much, or how little to say. My three elementary-aged kids want some details, for example: How many guns did the shooter have? How did he get in if the doors were locked? Did the kids see blood? Deep breath. Thankfully, Nancy Berns, associate professor of sociology at Drake University, an expert in grief, death and violence and author of Closure: The Rush to End Grief and What It Costs Us, stepped in to give us all guidance.

Autism in tragedy

Allison Ziering Walmark — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:20:00 -0800

In the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, many news outlets have reported the shooter may have had autism. Regardless of whether or not this is true, it's important for the public to realize that autism spectrum disorders are not associated with criminal violence.

Practicing Gratitude: Small moments in a sea of grief

Nichole Beaudry — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:00:00 -0800

As I all struggle to make sense of the recent tragic loss of twenty20 innocent children in Newtown, Connecticut, waves of sadness and guilt have overcome me. I will carry the parents of those beautiful children in my heart for always.

Having a baby when you don’t have a mom

Monica Beyer — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 -0700

If you lost your own mother before you became a parent, it can be truly bittersweet to go through pregnancy, birth and the baby years without your mom being there for advice or simply to bask in the joy of a grandchild. We talk with moms who have been through parenthood without their own mothers by their sides.

Helping your dog grieve

Sherri Kuhn — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 08:03:00 -0700

They say that a dog is man's best friend, but what happens when your dog loses a friend? Whether it's another pet in the house that died or one of a dog's owners, he will go through a grieving period just like humans.

Practicing Gratitude: Finding gratitude after the heartbreaking loss of a child

Nichole Beaudry — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:00:00 -0700

There's no denying that it's easier to feel gratitude when life goes smoothly. But when life hands you unspeakable heartache, how do you go on to be grateful for anything? Jessica Watson's story is a beautiful example of putting one foot in front of the other and finding joy again.

How to give your kids bad news

Michelle Maffei — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:00:00 -0700

Dealing with life's curve balls is taxing enough on you, but having to tell your children can be one of the hardest parts of parenting. While helping your kids cope with a change in plans can be easy, dishing the news that there has been a death or disappointment can make you wonder: what is the right way to break it to your youngsters? So, before you risk thrusting your kiddos into an emotional tailspin, discover five tips on how to give your kids bad news.

Helping someone deal with a cancer loss

Stephanie Taylor Christensen — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 05:46:00 -0700

Losing a loved one for any reason is painful, but helping someone deal with a cancer loss can require a slightly different approach. Here are ways to help survivors process what has happened, and to reconcile their own emotions after a death.

Breast cancer: Coping with grief when you lose someone

Colleen Crane, MSW, LCSW — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:14:00 -0700

Losing someone to cancer is a devastating experience. The Susan G. Komen Foundation has reported that one in three women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. When someone you know passes from breast cancer, here are some things you can do to help with the loss and keep her memory alive.

Cancer connection: How networking with a cancer survivor can save your life

Joni James Aldrich — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 13:34:00 -0700

When cancer comes up in conversation, do you change the topic and move on? Or do you ask the questions that may possibly save your life or the life of someone you love? Here are the top five questions to ask cancer survivors when you have the opportunity to talk with them.