Ten Ways to Help Grieving Families Survive the Holidays

Everyone tells grieving families the keys to surviving the holidays. This press release tells, instead,ten ways friends and relatives can help bereaved families during one of their most difficult times of the year.

(PRWEB) December 7, 2003 --Families that have suffered the death of a child often find the holidays one of the most stressful times during the year.
     According to The Compassionate Friends, the worlds largest self-help bereavement organization assisting families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age, from any cause, there are many ways relatives and friends can help those mourning the death of a child. Here are ten ways others can help during the holidays, according to Pat Loder, Executive Director of The Compassionate Friends.

1)Do specific chores for the family. Clean the snow from their driveway or offer to help in other specific ways, such as addressing holiday cards.

2)Offer to help with holiday shopping or other errands, as facing crowds and the blare of holiday music is often difficult for the bereaved.

3)Figure ways to incorporate a remembrance of the child during the season. Make an ornament you can give the family that reminds you of that child. Collect written memories of the child from friends and relatives and place them in a scrapbook to give as a present.

4)Offer to put up holiday decorations, inside or out. But dont insist if the family objects.

5)Dont forget the siblings. There is a good reason why they are often termed the forgotten mourners." Ask them how theyre doing-and listen and respond to their answer.

6)Give a gift to your favorite charity or that of the family in memory of their child.

7)Light a memorial candle and tell the family youre burning it in memory of their child.

8)Be willing to spend time just listening and dont be afraid to cry with the family. Your tears are a tribute to both the child and the parents and can be a healthy release.

9)Accompany the family to a memorial service such as those held in observance of the Worldwide Candle Lighting by The Compassionate Friends the second Sunday in December.

10) New Years parties may seem like fun, but grieving families probably wont be in a festive mood. Old traditions may have to go by the wayside.
    
     Nothing is more important than being available to lend a sympathetic ear," said Mrs. Loder. Dont stay away because you believe the family will want to be left alone. If they do, they will tell you. But most will appreciate that you cared enough to come."

     The Compassionate Friends has nearly 600 chapters in the United States, offering support and friendship through shared grief. The organization has a presence in an estimated 29 countries around the world. For more information, call The Compassionate Friends toll-free at 877-969-0010 or visit The Compassionate Friends national Web site at www.compassionatefriends.org.
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