Kids and grief

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By Dr Bill Maier

It’s hard to watch your kids go through tough times, but struggle is an important part of growing up.

We’re all tempted to shelter our kids from grief and heartache, but life isn’t always easy, so they need to learn how to deal honestly with emotions — both good and bad.

When sad times come, don’t make the mistake of trying to shield kids from the pain.

And don’t distract them from their feelings by pretending nothing is wrong, or by bribing them into being happy. Sometimes they need to grieve; because that’s the only way they will learn to process their emotions properly.

Kids need to learn that there’s a right and a wrong way to be sad.

Grief is painful, but it’s not an excuse to get angry, or to lash out at others.

It’s something everyone has to go through, and good times are always just around the corner.

From TODAY, Voices - Thursday, 25-March-2010
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