SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A nonprofit group in Springfield that helps grieving children says it's important to acknowledge their sadness during the holiday season.
Lost & Found Grief Center says one in nine children experience the death of a parent before age 20. And the center says children grieve for years as they cope with the loss through different stages of life.
The Springfield News-Leader reports (http://sgfnow.co/UGkXzW ) Lost & Found held a poster contest as part of Children's Grief Awareness Day, which is Thursday. The day is observed the third Thursday of every November because the holidays are particularly hard for bereaved families.
Executive director Karen Scott says it's important for families to continue their holiday traditions. But they should also openly acknowledge that the loved one won't be there and honor that person.
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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com
