As an adult you may be angry, grieving, and confused. It is hard to understand how your loved one was at your dinner table last week or your child’s soccer game yesterday and is now gone forever. It is difficult to comprehend how one single second on the Gene Snyder Freeway, Baxter Avenue, or another Louisville road killed your loved one. And as hard as it is for you to understand, it may be even more challenging for your child.
Your Child Is Counting on You
It may be difficult to get out of bed or focus on anything for any length of time. Yet, even as you mourn your loss your child needs you. You can help your child by:
- Being honest. Children understand more and are more resilient than we think. While you don’t need to be graphic or go into too many details, you may need to answer your child’s questions.
- Watching for changes in play or behavior. Many children express grief, anger, and other emotions through their play and their behavior rather than their words. Therefore, it is important to watch these things carefully for signs of how your child is coping with the loss.
- Keeping your family’s schedule as normal as possible. This may help your children feel safe during a scary time.
- Involving others. Your children will know, and should know, that you are grieving. They may want to spare you additional pain and hold back from expressing their own feelings. Accordingly, they may benefit from talking to clergy members, relatives, trusted family friends, or professional counselors.
Of course, what you say to your child is going to depend on your child’s age and individual characteristics. You know your child best and should follow your instincts when dealing with this difficult situation.
You Don’t Have to Do Everything Alone
Your parenting efforts are important and your children are looking to you for guidance. As you take care of your children and yourself, it is important to get help. You can, for example, talk to a personal injury lawyer about your legal rights and possible recovery. You can hire a lawyer to help you protect your legal rights so that you don’t have to spend your time and energy on the legal fight while you and your children are grieving.
To learn more about how to help your family after a car crash kills your loved one in Louisville, please read our FREE report, Critical Information to Know Before Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Kentucky, and start an online chat us today to have your individual questions answered.
Related Links:
Tips for Dealing With Your Grief After a Fatal Car Crash
Everyone Grieves: Helping Children After Fatal Crashes
A Helping Hand to Guide You Through a Wrongful Death Claim