26 THE COURIER SUN • MARCH 2, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM coping with death Helping children deal with grief 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 regret), we will be better able console a grieving child: to help bereaved children deal • Be aware of personal feelings. with theirs. When we are in touch with our • Recognize that each child’s own feelings (sadness, loss, level of understanding is different. One Of The Largest Family Owned & Operated Jewish Funeral Homes Gutterman Funeral Homes are one of the largest family owned funeral homes in America. Since 1892 the Gutterman family has instilled dedicated service with a personal touch to the Jewish community which has now spanned over 120 years. Still today, commitment to excellence and knowledgeable funeral directors is what separates our chapels from all the rest. Most recently we have taken the steps to become more of a resource and asset to families NOT only at the most emotional time of need, but rather years ahead of time. We have found some of the most sought after requested referral sources to direct you to in order to help start or compliment your estate planning, begin your Medicaid application or to find professional home care aides to protect the aging in place or find you assisted living, nursing home or Hospice placement services. By Pre-Arranging funeral services with us, you will help secure your wishes on permanent record by locking in on today’s “out of pocket expenses” controlling your spending and option of payment plans. Initial consultation is at no obligation and can be discussed at one of our chapels or in the comfort of your own home. Call now to inquire how we can help direct you in order to save you time and monies with all of your unique estate planning needs. Call our Main Office to schedule your personal, confidential appointment. Christopher M.Tombline Executive Manager of Gutterman Funeral Homes 516.764.9400 Gutterman’s Funeral Homes want to be called rst when YOU CHOOSE to -- years in advance, rather than when you need to. For Appointment Call Our Main Offi ce • 516-764-9400 www.guttermansinc.com for more information or email us At: ctombline@guttermansinc.com Chapels in: WOODBURY, L.I.: 516-921-5757 8000 Jericho Turnpike QUEENS: 718-896-5252 98-60 Queens Blvd, & 66th Ave. ROCKVILLE CENTRE, L.I.: 516-764-9400 175 N. Long Beach Rd. BROOKLYN: 718-284-1500 2576 Flatbush Ave. at Ave. U GUTTERMAN/ WARHEIT IN BOCA RATON FLORIDA ENTRUST US WITH YOUR MEMORIAL @ HTTP://WWW.MONUMENTSBYGUTTERMANSINC.COM ALSO SERVING FLORIDA 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. 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. Courtesy of NYS Funeral Directors Association
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