32 TIMES • MARCH 12- mARCH 18, 2015 Serving Our Neighbors In Their Time Of Need Let Us Assist You Regarding Pre-Plan Funerals & Cremations 1-718-821-2616 One Of New York’s Finest Hidden Historical Sites CHAPEL • CREMATORIUM SERVICES • MEMORIAL URNS • COLUMBARIUM NICHES �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������� Helping children to deal with grief By Rana Huber We sympathize when we see someone experiencing grief caused by the death of a loved one, but there is something especially poignant about a child who grieves over the loss of a parent, grandparent, sibling, or even a beloved pet. When children experience the death of a loved one, they grieve just as adults do, but they may not be able to verbalize their sorrow. To compound this, many adults may not feel comfortable dealing with children’s sadness, especially when grieving themselves. They don’t know how to start the conversation, they don’t know what to say, and, especially, they are fearful of saying the wrong things. So what can you do? There are many wonderful books that can help. For example, in Helping Children Grieve, Theresa Huntley includes some basic suggestions excerpted here that will help adults who want to console a grieving child: Be aware of personal feelings. When we are in touch with our own feelings (sadness, loss, regret), we will be better able to help bereaved children deal with theirs. Recognize that each child’s level of understanding is different. Provide the children with information and responses appropriate for their age level. Recognize that each child will grieve differently. Encourage questions. Encourage the expression of feelings. Let children know that it is okay to show their emotions. Encourage participation in events following the death. Tell the children about the events that will be taking place (i.e., wake, funeral, burial). Give the children permission to choose the extent of their participation. Help a child to commemorate the life of the deceased. Try to maintain a sense of normalcy. To restore some semblance of security, try to follow the children’s normal routine as closely as possible. Also, the popular television show Sesame Street has many wonderful resources to help connect with a child who is mourning. Visit their website for details: www.sesamestreet. org/parents/topicsandactivities/topics/grief. Children generally grieve in different ways than adults. As family and caregivers, we can recognize this and guide them with love through a difficult time. Ask your family funeral director for names of local bereavement counselors who can help. Seneca Chapels • Pre-Planning • Serving the Financial Burden of all Families in their Time of Need • A One Level Concept of a Modern Funeral Home • Large Chapels • Newly Renovated • Large Parking Facility on Premises Seneca Chapels, Ltd. 494 SENECA AVE. • RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385 718.366.1900 • www.senecachapels.com Schwille Funeral Home, Inc. Owned And Operated By The Schwille Family Since 1957 66-32 MYRTLE AVE. • GLENDALE WWW.SCHWILLEFUNERALHOME.COM U.S. COLUMBARIUM www.freshpondcrematorium.com 61-40 Mount Olivet Crescent Middle Village, NY • 11379 718-821-9700 A RESTING PLACE FOR THE CREMATED REMAINS Since 1884 we have earned your trust One of our stained glass windows Memorial Niches Chapel Services Bring this ad for a free educational tour of our beautiful historic buildings and receive a souvenir letter opener, a replica of our Tiffany window. Celebrating our 125th year. Historical tours available by appointment
RT03122015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above