Coping with Grief During the Holidays: Supportive Strategies for Children and Families

The holiday season is a time of happiness, joy, and hope for the coming year, yet it can also serve as a reminder of loved ones who are no longer with us. This season may evoke feelings of sadness or grief, particularly challenging for children who may struggle to identify these emotions.

Children experiencing grief may exhibit signs such as:

• increased social withdrawal

• irritability

• or emotional sensitivity

Recognizing these indicators is essential in providing them with necessary support during this time.

Initiating conversations about departed loved ones is crucial.

Activities like looking at old photos, creating memory boxes with mementos, or sharing cherished memories can open pathways for children to express their feelings and emotions.

While maintaining old family traditions can be comforting, introducing new ones can also help navigate the holiday season. Crafting a memorial ornament, playing a favorite movie or song, or engaging in acts of goodwill like volunteering or donating in honor of the departed are meaningful ways to remember loved ones.

Seeking assistance from a mental health provider can offer additional support, guidance, and a starting point in understanding and managing grief during the holidays.

During this season, Newbridge Therapy Center extends wishes of encouragement and peace to you and your family, hoping for comfort and solace in the year ahead.