Our parents create too much impact on our lives that when we lose either one of them (or both), we’re also losing a huge part of our being. This is why those who express their condolences also often go the extra mile and give us sympathy presents like memorial gifts for loss of father.
But what if a parent’s death happens when the son or daughter is still a child? This article sheds light on how losing such a special person affects a youngster.
Children Mourn, Too
Did you know that around 1.5 million children in the US have already lost a parent before they even reach the age of 15?
One of the first things we must understand is that like adults, children also mourn. They grieve as a natural way to cope with the sadness they’re experiencing. However, the way by which they express their grief varies compared to the adults.
School-age children, for instance, tend to ask the same questions over and over again because of lack of comprehension. Also, by knowing that their parent is already gone, they can also express bouts of anger and emotional shock. Those who are in their adolescence, on the other hand, exhibit a more pronounced change: They can manifest withdrawal and anxiety, especially if they’re very close to and heavily reliant on the parent they’ve lost.
In The Long Run
Giving sympathy gifts like memorial gifts for loss of father can help the bereaved child deal with their grief — especially when coupled with kind understanding, encouraging words, and practical help.
But it’s also important to understand that a parent’s death can inevitably cause long-term psychological effects to them. One of the most common effects is having that deep sense of loss. It’s a feeling that comes with knowing that a parent is someone who is irreplaceable.
Another long-term effect is difficulty to develop a bond over other people. This can be traced back to one’s fear to lose someone important again. Because they already know how hurtful it can be, they’d rather not have strong ties with others than deal with the pain of losing them permanently.
In the long run, a parent’s death can also affect a child’s self-esteem. With the lack of a parental figure showing support and encouragement to them, bereaved children may find it hard to gain their confidence back every time they commit a mistake. This becomes particularly problematic if the surviving parent can’t deal with his or her own grief, making him or her unable to take care of his or her child’s well-being.
What You Can Do
If you know a child who’s grieving, make sure to answer the questions they ask as mindful as possible. Show them love but know when to give them space. You can also give memorial gifts for loss of father or mother, and help them have an outlet for their emotions. And whenever you feel like they need professional attention, don’t hesitate to help them before their situation gets worse.
