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The Gift of Listening: Supporting Grieving Kids This Holiday Season
diciembre 17, 2024
WSAZ’s Martina Bills talks with Dr. Micki Burns on how to support grieving children this holiday season.
WSAZ’s Journey Through Parenthood series recently featured an insightful conversation with Judi’s House CEO, Dr. Micki Burns, on how to support children navigating grief during the holiday season. Holidays, often marked by joy and celebration, can be a particularly challenging time for families navigating loss. Dr. Burns emphasized the importance of creating space for children to express their emotions and the role adults play in supporting them through the grief process.
“We adults let our own fear of death and the stigma that exist about wanting to talk about loss and bereavement get in the way of being able to be supportive individuals,” Micki explains. “So really the primary thing we can do is listen. If we can sit with kiddos feeling the likely most challenging emotions they’ve had in their lifetime and allowing ourselves to be with them and not judge their reactions, that is the best gift we can give to them.”
In addition to active listening, Dr. Burns recommended connecting children with resources to help them process their emotions. This can include grief centers like Judi’s House, school counselors, or age-appropriate books and activities that address loss. These resources provide valuable support, particularly for children who may struggle to articulate their feelings.
Dr. Burns’ insights extend beyond helping children, as she also recognized the challenges caregivers face during the holiday season. Adults are often dealing with their own grief while trying to provide stability and reassurance for their children. By seeking support from grief resources, caregivers can better manage their own emotions and become more equipped to help their children through the grieving process.
Dr. Burns’ insights extend beyond helping children, as she also recognized the challenges caregivers face during the holiday season. Adults are often dealing with their own grief while trying to provide stability and reassurance for their children. By seeking support from grief resources, caregivers can better manage their own emotions and become more equipped to help their children through the grieving process.
By prioritizing listening, offering resources, and fostering an open dialogue about grief, caregivers can help children find hope and healing, even during the most challenging times of the year.
To watch the full WSAZ Journey Through Parenthood segment featuring Dr. Micki Burns, click here.