Children without one or both of their parents at home with them suffer. Some children feel the effect more tremendously than other children. Living without a parent can lead to a declining child and it causes social problems. Some children who are without a parent demonstrate depression and anxiety, lower education levels, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and social and mental behavioral issues.
In 2013, my brother lost his father to a tragic death. His father came home that weekend to visit him, and they spent the whole day together. After he left from visiting with my brother, later that night he went to a party. When the party was over, two men that he knew asked him to give them a ride home. As soon as they arrived in town, the two men took him to a back road, robbed, and killed him. They burned his car trying to hide the evidence, but they were not successful. No one knew that my brother’s father was dead until two days later when no one could …show more content…
A parent can start by answering the questions their child asks. Children learn by asking questions. If they ask a question about a death, they are probably curious about something they do not understand. Parents need to let their children know it is acceptable to ask a question. A grieving child needs to be given choices. They can be included in the selection of a casket, flowers, clothing, and the service. They can also be given a choice to speak at the funeral. A parent needs to talk to their child about the person who died. Remembering a person who died is part of a healing process. This also gives the child permission to share his or her feelings about the deceased. Differences in grieving styles need to be respected. Some children don’t want to talk about their parent’s death and there are others who want to be left alone. When a parent listens to a child’s experiences without jumping in to judge, fix, or evaluate; it is helpful and