Grief and loss resources on this blog
There are several articles, and one video, on this blog created specifically to help parents whose children are (or may soon be) dealing with grief and loss. They are collected below for easy reading. Children and Funerals Helping Children Grieve Book recs on grief/loss for kids Talking with children about tragedies in the news Video: Talking with young children about [...]
Talking with your kids about the Connecticut school shooting
This tragedy is so horrible I almost can't bear it. My heart hurts, and I know yours does, too. And yet, we still have to keep going, because we are our children's first protector, explainer and comforter. So take a deep breath, send some love to those families, yourself and your kids, and then you can begin to help your [...]
When should we tell the kids that we are getting a divorce?
Once parents are certain that they are separating or getting a divorce, they begin to think through when/what/how they should tell their children. Regarding WHEN to tell children about a divorce or separation, here are some tips. A few concrete suggestions: Avoid major holidays and birthdays, etc. Consider the child's school or extracurricular schedule (major tests or events, etc.) Don't [...]
Video: How to talk with young children about death
As part of my work with SWParents.org, we produced a video for parents on how to talk to your kids about death. I also share a few basic tips for understanding and responding to the various ways that children can express grief. Please take a look if you think this topic might be helpful to you or a loved one. [...]
More about the plane crash
Austin-American Statesman writer Tara Trower adds to the conversation about talking with your children about Austin's plane crash. Read her blog post here.
Talking with kids about Money
I've recently been invited to contribute tips on talking with your kids about money(particularly around the holidays during this down economy) at a workshop called "How to spend, save and invest in a tight economy". The workshop is hosted by Megan Poore, a financial advisor in central Austin. The workshop primarily focuses on adult issues, but one of her passions [...]