The Power of Parenting: How to Help Your Child After a Parent or Caregiver Dies

Parents are the best sources of safety, support, and healing for bereaved children. We understand that each family is unique, with its own special cultural and spiritual practices, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Below, you will find guidance from parents, foster families, grandparents, and other caregivers who have been through experiences of loss and grief and found ways to cope and manage that grief. There is no such thing as “perfect parenting,” but some of these ideas may be useful to you on your journey. Remember that you are not alone.

Drawing from research and the experiences of parents, we have listed some challenges that bereaved families face and ways to address them. You will find thoughts on helping your children face new fears; taking care of yourself; helping your kids maintain healthy connections; helping your children to embrace new beginnings
or traditions; and seeking support from others.