10 Tips For Helping A Grieving Stepchild

Stepfamilies  are  not  easy  to   deal   with,   and   they   are   even   harder   when grief  is  involved.Some  stepchildren  grieve  over  the  loss   of   their   biological parents,  while  others  grieve  over  the   loss   of   their   relationship   with   their former  stepparents,   who   may   have   been   one   of   the   only   parental   figures in  their  lives.  Whatever  the  reason,   it's   important   to   help   these   children through this tough time.

Reasons Why It's Important To Help Your Stepchild

A  stepchild  can  be  tricky  to  navigate,  especially  if  your  relationship  with his or her biological parent isn't the best. However,  it's  important  to  help  your  stepchild  so  he  or  she  feels  included       and  loved  in  your  life,  no  matter  how   much   time   you   get   to   spend together. Here  are  reasons  why  it's  important  to  help  your  stepchild    and  ways  you can do so effectively.

THEY AREN'T YOUR CHILD SO YOU DON'T FEEL OBLIGATED

As a stepparent, you  may  not  feel  the  same  level  of  obligation  to  your stepchild as you would to your child. But  that  doesn't  mean  you  shouldn't  help  them.  There  are  several  good   reasons why you should go out of your way to help your stepchild.

YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM FAIL

Nobody  wants  to  see  someone  close  fail  in  life.  When  it  comes  to  kids    who  aren't  biologically  yours,  chances  are  you'll  feel  just  as  invested  in     their  success  as  if  they  were  your  child  because  deep  down  inside  you  know their family, too.

IT CAN MAKE THE TRANSITION EASIER

If  they  aren't  angry  with  you,  then  they  might  want  to  stay  in  contact  with    you once their grief has lessened. It  can  be  difficult  to  be  a  step-parent.  You may feel like you're walking on eggshells, trying not to upset the delicate balance between the child's biological parents, but here are things you can do to make the transition easier for everyone involved.

First, try to focus on your strengths as a parent, and think about what your stepchild might need from you. Remember that it's ok if they want more attention than their siblings sometimes - this doesn't mean they love their other parent any less! Be sensitive to when their needs change over time too, their life changes as they grow up so will their needs as a parent.

THEY NEED GUIDANCE

Raising   children   is   hard   work,   and   often   children   need   guidance   from  adults  who  care  about  them  and  love  them  unconditionally.   These   children need your love and support. You should provide them with guidance, but also give them the space to grow and make their own mistakes.

YOU MIGHT HAVE MORE INFLUENCE THAN YOU THINK

Sometimes parents  feel  guilty  or  lazy  when  it  comes  to  helping  their stepchildren, but  oftentimes  a  little  effort  goes  a  long  way.  Just  because you're a step-parent doesn't mean you can't have a positive influence on these kid's life. In fact, being a step-parent gives you a unique opportunity to help shape their future. Your Step-child needs to know that they matter.

As their step-parent, this is the number one thing you should be communicating to them. Talk with them about what they want out of life and what they need to succeed academically or professionally to reach those goals.

HELPING THEM CAN MAKE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM BETTER

Helping them understand what is happening in their life (like a parent) instead  of  pushing  for  contact,  means  more  time  spent  together  on  things that matter most to both of you. Help  foster  your  relationship  with  one   another by  being   open   about feelings  and  issues.  And  don't  forget  to  show  appreciation  for  what  they do well!

YOU CAN SET AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS

One  of  the  best  things  you  can  do  for  your  stepchildren  is  to  show  them   what  being  a  good  parent  looks  like  and  what  values  they  should  live  by.     As a step-parent, it's important to set a good example for your step-child. This means being respectful to your partner, following through on promises, and being consistent with expectations and discipline.

It's also important to create opportunities for bonding, such as sharing meals or participating in activities together.

However, it's important not to try to replace the child's biological parent, as this can create feelings of jealousy and resentment.

IT WILL STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM

When  you  help  your  stepchild,  you  are  showing  them  that  you  care  about them and want to be involved in their lives. This  can  help  strengthen  your  relationship  with  them  and  make  them  feel more comfortable around you.

Additionally,  helping  your   stepchild   can   also   teach   them   responsibility and build their self-esteem. You  could  encourage  them  by  finding  ways  for  them  to  volunteer  or  give    back to the community.

And  if  they  have  been  struggling  with  a  tough   situation,   they   may   find comfort  knowing  someone  is  there  for  them  and  not  judging  or  criticizing the way they choose to handle it. They may feel their parents may be forgotten now that they are dead.

As a stepparent, you may feel like  you  have  to  work  harder  to  earn  your stepchild's love and respect. But it's important  to  remember  that  they  may  be  going  through  a  lot  of emotions  after  the  death  of  their  parent.  They  may  feel  like  they  are   forgotten,  or  that  their   parents   didn't   love   them   as   much   as   their biological child.

WE ALL WANT OUR CHILDREN TO BE HAPPY

As   stepchildren,   they   didn't   ask   for   their   parents   to   divorce   and   they didn't  ask  for  you  to  enter  their  lives.  But  that  doesn't  mean  they  don't deserve  your  love  and  support.  They  may  feel  alone  after  the  loss  of  their parents,  though  they   may   not   show   it,   your   stepchild   is   likely   going through  a  tough  time.  Their  parents  are  no  longer  together,  and  they  may feel  alone  and  lost  as  a  result.

As  their  stepparent,  you  must  be  there  for   them, both emotionally and financially. Try to understand where  they're   coming   from.   They'll   still   need   money   for   food, transportation,  clothes,  and   school   supplies,   even   if   their   parents   aren't giving them an allowance anymore.

Think  about  what  might  bring  him  or  her  joy,  whether  it's  having  a  pet  or  being  allowed  to  play  video  games  with  friends  on  the  weekends.  If  you can  make  your  stepchildren  feel   special   and   important,   then   they   will   be able to accept you as their parent as well.

A  stepchild  is  likely  to  feel  unloved  if  you're  often  too  busy  or  distracted to  spend  quality  time   with  them.  You  should  make  it  a  priority  every  day      to  make  sure  they  know  how  much  you   care   about   them   and   how important they are in your life. If  you  make  them  feel  like  they  have  someone  in  their  corner,  they'll  turn to you when times get tough. And they need that.

Whether  it's  helping  with  homework   or  picking   them   up   from   school,   all kids  need  help  and  support  from  time  to  time—even  if  they  think  they   don't.

Tips For Helping A Grieving Stepchild

Use  these  tips  for  helping  a   grieving   stepchild   get   through   this   difficult time and move forward with his or her life.

LOVE THEM UNCONDITIONALLY

As a step-parent, it's important to love your stepchild unconditionally. They  are  grieving  the  loss  of  a  parent,  and  they  need  to  know  that  you  will   be there for them no matter what.

LISTEN MORE, TALK LESS

It  can  be  difficult  to  know  what  to  say  to  a  grieving  stepchild.  You  may want to offer words of comfort, but sometimes it's best to just listen.

Active  listening  shows  that  you  care  and  can  provide  a  much-needed   outlet for the child to express their feelings.

Here are some ways you can listen more and talk less:

Avoid saying  things  like  I  know  how  you  feel,  or  At  least  he's  in  a  better place now. These statements can make the child feel like. you don't understand what they're going through. Let the child talk,  and  listen  to  what  they're  saying.  Don't  try  to  fix  their problems or offer advice unless they ask for it.

DON'T RUSH THEM

It's important to give your stepchild time to grieve. They  may  not  want  to  talk  about  their  feelings  or  they  may  want  to  talk about  them  all  the  time.  Either  way,   it's  important   to   let  them   set   the pace.

You don't have  to  be  a  therapist.  Give  them  space  and  time.  Be  there  for support  if  they  need  you  but  don't  feel  like  you  have  to  constantly  fix everything.

FOCUS ON THE PRESENT

Take  them  out  and  do  fun  things  with  them  while  keeping  in  mind    that they're still grieving. Provide  practical   support,   offer   to   do   some   of   the   chores   around   the house or help  with  homework  so  that  they  can  focus  on  what's  going  on  at home.

TAKE CARE OF THEM

It's important to take care of them while they're grieving. This means making sure  they  get  enough  rest,  eat  healthy  foods,  and exercising.

It also means giving them  time  to  grieve.  Allow  them  to  cry,  scream,  or  do whatever they need to do to release their emotions.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

As  a  step-parent,  you  might  feel  like  you  need  to  be  strong  all  the time. But it's okay to not be okay. It's important  to  take  care  of  yourself  so  that  you  can  be  there  for  your stepchild.  If  you're  feeling   overwhelmed,   make   an   appointment   with   your doctor.

They  will  listen  and  give  you  a  referral  if  needed.  And,  best  of  all,  they  won't  judge.  It's  also  important  to  have   a   support   system   in place—whether  it  be  friends  or  family  members  who  know  what  you're   going through.

CREATE BOUNDARIES

It may  seem  hard  at  first,  but  creating  boundaries  is  good  for  everyone involved. Make  sure  you  communicate  when   something   is   bothering   you—especially when it comes to their personal life.

Even  if  they  don't  agree  at  first,  the  more  they  talk  about  how  hard  it  is    for  them  or  how  much  anger  they  are  feeling,  the  easier  it  becomes  for   them to understand why these boundaries are necessary.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTION

It can be difficult to know what to  say  to  a  grieving  child,  but  it's important to try. Asking  questions  can  help  you  understand  what  the  child  is  feeling  and     how best to support them.

Here are some questions you could ask:

How are you feeling today?

What did you like most about your loved one?

Do you have any happy memories of them?

Is there anything you're struggling with right now?

What can I do to help you feel better?

Do you want to talk about what happened?

Do you have any questions about death?

Are you worried about something that might happen in the future        because of this person's death?

Are you thinking about things that aren't related to this person who died?

Would you like me to pray for you or sing a song for you?

LET THEM CRY IT OUT

It's  OK  to  let  your  stepchild  cry  it  out.  It's  encouraged.  Crying  is  a  healthy    way to release emotions and can help the healing process.

Let  them  know  that  you're  there  for  them  and  offer  a  shoulder  to  cry  on  when  they  need  it,  but  don't  force   them  to  talk   about  their   feelings   if they're not ready.

PLAN A FUN DAY TOGETHER

Take  your  stepchild  out  for  the  day  and  do  something  that  they  love.  This      will  help  take  their  mind  off  of  things  and  give  them  a  chance  to  have      some fun. Plus, it will be a bonding experience for the two of you.

Here are some ideas to plan a fun day together:

Visit a theme park: Visiting  a  theme  park  can  be  one  of  the  most  desirable  things  to  do  and  have  fun  while  being  together  with   your   step-child.   There   are   various beautiful  and  attractive  sights  to  view  and  tons  of  games,  events  and  attractions that will brighten there mood.

Go to a trampoline park:  Trampoline  park  provides  great  fun  time  for  children  as  they  get  to  jump         up  and  down  with  huge  smile  on  there  faces.  Aside  from  fun,  trampolines      also  help  in  there  health  and  development  as  they  can  excessive  and  get        to learn new things while playing around.

Have a picnic in the park:  Having  a  meal  outdoor  is  great  fun,  some  times  take  the  child  out  to  a    special  and  scenic  environment   to   have   some   fun   and   good   food.   Make sure  you’re  fully  packed  with  lots  of  food  especially  there  favorite.  This  will    help the step-child feel loved and have a sense of belonging.

Play laser tag or mini golf:  The  excitement  your   step-child   can   get   from   having   that   rolling   golf   ball roll  into  the  small  hole  is  immeasurable,  playing  golf  games  or  laser  tags  is     yet  another  fun  activity  added  to  the  list  which  will  help  you  both  bond        and relief your step-child from any negative emotions.

See a movie together/Eat at a favorite restaurant:  The  time  spent  in  seeing  a  movie  or  eating  together  in  a  restaurant  is  a     way  of  sending  an  emotional  message  to  your  step  child  that  you  care  so  much for them and will always be with them.

Take them shopping: Shopping  is  all  about  buying  what  your  step-child  likes  that  will  make  them  happy.  Take   your  step-child  to  a  shopping  mall  and  allow  them  to  browse     and make selection of there favorite items.

Give them a makeover:  There  is  nothing  more  fun  than  a  cute  dress  up  and  makeover  for  your  stepchild.  You  can  play  around  with  colors  and  have  them  make  choice  of    there  best  colors  for  that  perfect  makeover  and  dress  which  will  keep  that    glow on there face.

Build something together (a snowman, birdhouse, etc.):  Bonding  with  your  stepchild  while  building  stuffs  is  a  great  way  relief  them       of  there  grieving  mood.   Allow   them   choose   what   they   should   want   you both  to  build  and  make  sure  the  process  is  creative  and  fun,  also  avoid    difficult tasks.

WATCH VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE

Videos  are  entertaining  and  fun,  search   for   there   favorite   shows   or   movies and  watch  together  with  them  on  YouTube.  The  best  way  of  making  this fun  is  looking  for  funny   comedy   contents,   educational   videos   or   science videos and discuss some scenes of the videos together as you watch.

LEARN TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT TOGETHER

Try   learning   and   playing   musical   instruments   together    such    as    piano, guitar or drums. You don’t  have  to  be  a  pro  to  do  this,  just  make  it  fun  and laugh  at   the   silly   sounds   from   the   instruments.   Your   stepchild   will   enjoy this  activity  and  over  time  can   pick   interest   to   practice   and   improve   on there instrument of choice.

KEEP YOUR FAMILY INVOLVED

The  death  of  a  parent  is  a  difficult  time  for  any  child,  but  it  can  be     especially   tough   for   stepchildren.   Your   family   can   provide   support   and stability  during  this   time.   Make   sure   other   members   of   the   family   are getting  along   well   with   your   stepchild,   have   them   engage   in   various activities  and  house   chores   to   help   them   blend   together   and   understand each  other.

Divide  the  work  in  your  home  and  assign  it  to  each  person,  it  is    a  great  idea  to  pair   them   with   other   family   members   to   complete   tasks and get things done.

BE PATIENT

Give  your   stepchild   time   to   process   their   feelings   and   grieve   before   you try  to  cheer  them  up  or  push  them  into  talking  about  what   they're   feeling.   This  will  help  them  to  get  over  emotional  stress  and  shock  from  the  death       of  there  parent.  Don’t  rush  or  force  them  to  open  up  to  you  about  how      they  feel,  allow   them   to   gradually   get   over   there   grieve   and   willingly accept the love that you offer to them. You may not have a bond with your

Step-child right away, and that's okay. It takes time to build trust and create a meaningful relationship. For the main tome, be patient and try to see things from your Step-child perspective.

MAINTAIN ROUTINE

Figure out your stepchild’s routine and stick to it. This includes time they should have there meal, sleep and play. It’s very important to keep to there routines as to when there parents where still with them. This will help them to easily get over there grief and give them time to gradually adjust to the new way of living.

CHECK IN ON THEM OFTEN

As  a  step-parent,  it's  important  to  keep  a  close  eye  on  your  stepchild  during  times  of  grief.  Check-in   on  them  often,  both  verbally  and   emotionally. If  they  seem  withdrawn  or  uninterested  in  activities  they  used  to   enjoy, don't hesitate to reach out and ask what's wrong.

As a new parent to your partner child, having a blended family can take adjustment. Continue reading to learn why it's important to bond and help your stepchild.

What Is A Blended Family?

In a blended family, children  from  one  or  both  parents'  previous relationships live in the same household. Blended  families  are  becoming  more  common,  as  divorce  rates  and remarriages increase.  As  with  any  family,  there  can  be  challenges  in  a blended family. One of those challenges  is  when  a  stepchild  is  grieving  the  loss  of  a parent.

Questions A Stepchild May Ask After The Death Of A Biological Parent

When someone dies,  their  close  family  members  will  inevitably  ask themselves the same sorts of questions. But  when  a  parent  isn't  the  only  parent  a  child  have,  the  questions  that  come up can be difficult to navigate. If  you're  a  step-parent  to  a  stepchild  whose  parent    has  died,  these  are   some of the most common questions they might have.

AM I GOING TO DIE TOO?

One of the first questions a  stepchild  will  ask  after  the  death  of  a biological parent is whether or not they are going to die, too. It's  natural  for  them  to  worry  that  since  one  parent  has  died,  the  other      may  also  die  soon.  Reassure  your  child  that  just  because  one  parent  has   died, it doesn't mean that the other will die, too.

Explain  that  people  can  die   from   different   things   and   at   different   times. Just  because  someone  dies   from cancer   doesn't   mean   that   the   person who was killed in an accident would have died from cancer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Remember  that  this  should  be  up  to  the biological parents, not you. If  they  want  their  children  to  know  about  their  lost  loved   one,  then  they  will find a way and a time when they think it would be appropriate.

If the biological parent is okay with you answering  this  question,  try  to  give  as  few  details  as possible. Some  kids  might  be  able  to  handle  more  information  than  others  do.

WHY DID THIS HAPPEN?

Children  often  want  to  know  why  things  happen,  especially  when  it  comes        to  tragedy.  When  a  parent   dies,  a  child  may  want  to  know  what  caused their death. If  the  death  was  due  to  an  accident  or   natural   causes,   this   can   be explained  relatively  easily.  However,  if  the  parent  died  from  suicide  or  an overdose, this explanation may be more difficult.

For  children,  the  death  of  a  parent  can  be  one  of  the  most  trying  times  of  their  lives.  Not  only  do  they  have  to  process  their  grief,  but  also  the  grief of others around them. They  might  feel   as   though   their   other   parent   doesn't   love   them   anymore, or   that   they're   being   replaced   by   another   child   from   a   previous relationship.

HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FEEL?

It's  natural  to  feel  confused  and  even  guilty  after  the  death  of  a  parent.    They  may  feel  like  they're  supposed  to  be  sadder  than  they  are,  or  that they should have seen it coming. It's  okay  to  feel  whatever  they're  feeling.  There  is  no  right  or  wrong  way  to grieve.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME NOW?

It's  normal  to  feel   insecure   after   the   death   of   a   parent. They  may  worry  about  who  will  take  care  of  them,  or  whether  the  will  have    to move. Try  to  talk  to  talk  to  them,  about  what  will  happen  next.  These  words  can  help put their minds at ease.

WILL I EVER SEE MY OTHER PARENT AGAIN?

It's natural  for  children  to  wonder  if  their  deceased  parent  is  still  alive, especially if they didn't have a chance to say goodbye. They  may  believe  that  their  parent  is  in  heaven  or  some  other  afterlife  and     can  still  see  them.  Other  children  may   think   that   their   parent   has   simply gone away and will come back someday.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

The  relationship   they   had   with   their   biological   parent   was   unique   and special.   Just   because   they   are   gone,   doesn't   mean   that   connection   is gone too.  It  might  feel  weird  at  first,  but  it's  okay  to  still  call  them  dad  or mom.

Keep  reminding  them  that  they  are  not  alone.  Other  people  have  experienced  this  type  of  loss  and  can  understand  what  they're  going  through. Talk  to  them  about  how  their  feelings  and  ask  if  they  need  any  support. 

CAN I STILL SAY THEIR NAME?

It  can  feel  like  there  are  a  lot  of  rules  around  grief,  and  one  of  those  is   often  not  speaking  the  name  of  the  person  who  died.  For  a  child  who  has    lost a parent, this can be confusing.

They  may  see  other  people  talking  about  their  mom  or  dad  and  wonder why  they  can't  do  the  same.  It's  important  to  explain  that  it's  okay  to  talk  about  the  person  who  died  and  that  saying   their  name   is   part  of keeping their memory alive.

IS IT MY FAULT?

They  may  feel  guilty  and  think  that  if  they  had  been  better  behaved  or      done   something   differently,   the   parent   would   still   be   alive.   It's   important  to  reassure  them  that   it   wasn't   their   fault   and   that   they   did   nothing wrong.

Sometimes,  children  blame  themselves   for   not   being   there   with   the deceased  parent  when  he  or   she   dies.   These   children   need   reassurance that they are not at fault and they didn't do anything wrong either.

When  parents  pass  away,  some  children  worry  about  who  will  take  care  of    them  now.  For  those  who  have  another  biological  parent  left  in  their  lives,  reassure  them  that  everything  will  be  okay  because  he  or  she  loves  them  very much.

How To Maintain A Healthy Relationship With Your Stepchild

Step-parenting   can   be   an   emotionally   and   mentally   trying   experience, especially  in  the  case  of  blended  families.  While  there  are  many  challenges  to  being  a  stepparent,  many  of  these  challenges  can  be  overcome  through   proper   communication   and   understanding,    because    each    situation    is different,  what  works  for  one  family  may  not  work  for  another  family,  but  by  following  this  guide  you'll  know  how  to  maintain  healthy  relationships   regardless of your situation.

NEVER SPEAK ILL OF THEIR PARENT

It's  important  to  remember  that   your   stepchild's   other   parent   is   half   of who they  are.  Even  if  you  don't  get  along  with  your  ex,  try  your  best  to never speak  ill  of  them  in  front  of  your  stepchild.  This  will  only  serve  to confuse and hurt them.


BUILD TRUST BETWEEN YOU

One  of  the  most  important  things  you  can  do  to  maintain  a  healthy    relationship with your stepchild is to build trust between the two of you. This  means  being  honest  with  each  other,  being  reliable  and  consistent  in      your words and actions, and respecting each other's privacy.

It  also  means  taking  the  time  to  get   to   know   each   other   and   share common  interests.  Lastly,  it  means  being  there  for  each  other  when  times are tough.


BE A ROLE MODEL

As  a  step-parent,  you  have  the  opportunity  to  be  a  positive  role  model  in     your  stepchild's  life.  You  can   show   them   what   a   healthy  relationship   looks like and how to communicate effectively.

It's   important   to   be   patient,   understanding,   and   consistent   in   your interactions  with  your  stepchild.  By   setting   a   good   example,   you   can   help lay the foundation for a strong relationship.


DON'T SHOW FAVORITISM

It’s important not to show favoritism between your biological children and your stepchildren. Not only is it incredibly unfair, but it will also damage your relationship with both sets of kids. Try to treat them all equally, as much as possible.


ACCEPT THE PAIN THEY FEEL

It's  hard  watching  your  child  suffer,  especially  when  you  can't  do  anything to  fix  it.  But  try  to  remember  that  their  pain  is  valid.  They  didn't  ask  for this  divorce  or  one  of  their  parents  to  die,  and  they  didn't  ask  for  you  to be their step-parent. So  cut  them  some  slack.  They're  going  through  a  tough  time,  and  they need your understanding.


TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR SUCCESSES

It  can  be  easy  to  take  your  stepchild's  success  for  granted,  especially  if  you  feel like you had a hand in their upbringing.

However,   it's   important   to   take   pride   in   their   accomplishments   and   let  them  know  that  you're  proud  of  them.  This  will  help  them  feel  appreciated and foster a healthy relationship.

DON'T COMPARE THEM TO THEIR BIRTH PARENTS

It's  natural  to  want   to  compare  your   stepchild  to  their  birth   parents,  but it's important not to do this. It will only make your stepchild feel like  they're  not  good  enough  and  that  they  have  to  live  up  to  someone  else's standards.

Helping Your Grieving Stepchild Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Child Mourn the Loss of a Parent?

Forever  may  be  a  long  time  to  mourn  the  loss  of  your  parent,  but  that's how  long  it  takes  some  children  to  fully  come  to  terms  with  their  parent's   death and get back to a state of normalcy in their lives.

How  long  grief  lasts  will  vary  from  child  to  child,  so  there  isn't  an  exact timeline   that   fits   every   situation,   although  the mourning process typically falls into one of three stages: separation; internalizing and externalizing.

Are You Still The Step-parent After The Death Of a Biological Parent?

Even  though  the  death  of  a  biological  parent  can  be  a  confusing  and difficult  time  for  a  child,  it  is  important  to  remember  that  you  are  still  the step-parent. The  child  will  need  your  support  and  guidance   more   than   ever  during   this time of grief

How Do You Help Your StepchildrenThrough Grief?

It can be  difficult  to  know  how  to  help  your  stepchildren  through  grief, especially if you are still grieving the loss of your partner.

Here are five things you can do to support them during this difficult time.

Allow them extra space to say goodbye by visiting the grave site or reading letters from their deceased loved one aloud at home or school  with friends and family present.

Listen without judgment if they express anger, guilt, sadness, or any other emotion as they work through their feelings following the death of their loved one.

Show your love and support by being available when they need you most while grieving their loss and give them reminders that they are not alone in this process with phrases like I'm here for you or You're doing great.

Acknowledge their pain and let them talk about it.  It's  normal  for  kids  to  want  to  talk  about  what  they're  feeling  and  experiencing  in  some  way  (even  if   they're  not   sure  how)   so   encourage them  by  asking  questions  and  letting  them  know  that  you  want  to  hear  what they have to say. And just like  adults, children  may  take  steps  to  self-soothe  -  for  example, wrapping  themselves  up  in  blankets  or  taking   up   an   interest   that   helps distract them from their sadness.

Other  coping  mechanisms   may   include   talking   with   friends   or   family members,  using  art  as  therapy,  writing   letters   to   the   deceased   parent,   or even reading books on bereavement.

Seek Professional Help.  If   your   step-child   is   experiencing   behavioral   changes   such   as   withdrawal from  friends  and   family,   aggression   towards   others,   a   change   in   eating habits,   or   sleeping   patterns,   it   could   be   worth   seeking   professional   advice to determine whether counseling might be helpful.

Should a Step Relationship Be Maintained After Death?

A  child's  relationship  with  a  step-parent   should   be   maintained   after   the death of a parent, according to grief counselors. The child may grieve for years and need ongoing support.

Their natural parents are no longer present in their lives and their step-parents must provide emotional nurturing and guidance. In  cases  where  one  or  both   natural   parents   have   died,   a   step-parent   is often  left  in  charge  of  decisions  that  need  to  be  made  about  the  children's   care.

They  also  play   an   important   role   in   helping   children   through   school transitions as  they  reach  new  stages  in  life  like  moving  into  high  school  or college, getting married, or having children themselves.

What Is a Good Sympathy Gift To Give a Step-child After The Death Of a Parent?

The  death  of  a  parent  is  a  tragic  event  that  can  leave  a  child  feeling  lost and confused. A step-child may feel especially isolated after the death of a parent,  as  they  may  not  have  experienced  the  same  level  of  closeness  with   their stepparent as with their biological parent.

A  good  sympathy  gift  for  a  step-child in  this  situation  could  be  something that  helps  to  create  a  sense  of  connection,  such  as  a  photo  album  or memory box filled with mementos from happy times spent together. Giving  children  space  to  talk  about  their   feelings   is   also   helpful,   so   you might  offer  to  help  them  make  a  card  for  the  deceased  parent  and  send  it    on their behalf.

Can I Exclude a Stepchild From My Will?

If you're  considering  excluding  a  stepchild  from  your  will,  it's  important  to understand the legal implications. In  most  states,  stepchildren  are  treated   the   same   as   biological   children when it comes to inheritance. That  means  if  you  don't  specifically  include  them  in  your  will,  they  could still inherit a portion of your estate. Additionally,  if  you  have  a  life  insurance  policy  that  names  your  spouse  as  the beneficiary, your stepchildren could still receive those benefits.

What Role Should a Step-parent Play?

A  step-parent's   role   is   to   support   the   grieving   child and help them through  this  tough  time.  It  is  important  to  be  there  for  the  child,  to  listen to them, and to offer a shoulder to cry on. It is also important  that  the  stepparent  does  not  try  to  replace  the deceased parent, as this will only make the child's grief harder.

Helping Your Stepchild Move Forward

It is  impossible  to  say  how  long  it  will  take  a  child  to  grieve  the  loss  of  a parent.  The  process  is  different  for  everyone  and  depends  on  many  factors,  such as the  child's  age,  relationship  with  the  parent,  and  support  system. Acknowledge   your   limitations   as   a   grieving   family   member.   For   example,   you  are  not   able   to   provide   any   tangible   support   because   you   live   far away  from  them.

In  these  cases,  your  time  will  mean  more  than  anything else,  so  simply  call  up  your  loved  one  on  the  phone  or  Skype  and  offer    support that way instead! What  is  certain,  however,  is  that  grief  is  a  journey  that  never  really  ends.       The  pain  may  lessen  with  time,  but  the  love  and  memories  will  always  be   there.

October 26, 2022 by Frances Kay