Supporting grieving kids during the holiday season: Susan Hamme

Supporting grieving kids during the holiday season: Susan Hamme 
Cleveland.com, Cleveland, OH; Guest columnist Susan Hamme, director of grief services for Hospice of the Western Reserve 
... Childhood grief is tricky no matter the time of year, but the holidays can be a time of especially heightened emotion. The sights and sounds of the season can be triggers for children and adults alike. Combine that with an awareness that things will be very different without your special person, and you have the perfect recipe for emotional meltdowns and miscommunication all around. While it may be impossible to avoid this altogether, there are things you can do to lessen the stress and build in moments of peace and celebration.

• Choose an old tradition that can be continued ...
• Plan -- even the simple things: Young people love to feel in control of the things happening in their world. ...
• Schedule “down time” ...
• Try something new ...
• Let fun and laughter have its space ...

The loved ones we are missing often brought joy to our lives. That is why we miss them. Wishing you and the kids in your life a season of comfort, joy and memories.