Stranger Danger

How to give your child the facts he’ll need to protect himself

By Katherine Lee

As unpleasant and frightening as it may be for parents to think about the possibility of their child being hurt by a predator, it’s crucial that parents talk with their kids about personal safety. Teaching your child how to protect himself against child predators is as important as other measures you use every day to keep him safe, such as making sure he uses a seat belt.

By teaching your child how to avoid possible dangers and what to do if he finds himself in a potentially threatening situation, you will empower your child to know what to do in the event you are not there to protect him. Here are some important tips every parent should know about how to keep your child safe.

Helping Younger People Cope with Cancer Deaths and Funerals

Understanding the Problem  People have different ideas about whether to include children - no matter what their age - at the bedside during someone's final days of life, at the time of death itself, and at the funeral. Opinions about this differ depending on the family's manner of handling such matters and also on the type of death involved. For example, was the death sudden, or did the illness last a long time? Some adults do not want children seeing someone they know growing weaker or hooked to tubing. Opinions also depend on what the child's relationship is with the person who has cancer. Is it a parent? A brother? A sister? A close relative or friend? If it is someone the child does not know very well, maybe it is less important for the young person to visit. Also, consider whether other helpful adults or older children can pay attention to the child and help with any questions and feelings.

Talking To Children About Death

Introduction 

If you are concerned about discussing death with your children, you’re not alone. Many of us hesitate to talk about death, particularly with youngsters. But death is an inescapable fact of life. We must deal with it and so must our children; if we are to help them, we must let them know it’s okay to talk about it.

By talking to our children about death, we may discover what they know and do not know - if they have misconceptions, fears, or worries. We can then help them by providing needed information, comfort, and understanding. Talk does not solve all problems, but without talk we are even more limited in our ability to help.

What we say about death to our children, or when we say it, will depend on their ages and experiences. It will also depend on our own experiences, beliefs, feelings, and the situations we find ourselves in, for each situation we face is somewhat different. Some discussions about death may be stimulated by a news report or a television program and take place in a relatively unemotional atmosphere; other talks may result from a family crisis and be charged with emotions.

This pamphlet cannot possibly deal with every situation. It does provide some general information which may be helpful—information which may be adapted to meet individual needs.

Coping with Grief and Loss Understanding the Grieving Process

Losing someone or something you love or care deeply about is very painful. You may experience all kinds of difficult emotions and it may feel like the pain and sadness you're experiencing will never let up. These are normal reactions to a significant loss. But while there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain that, in time, can renew you and permit you to move on.