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Like many holidays throughout the year, Mother’s Day can spark a multitude of emotions, especially when you’re grieving. Dougy Center's tip sheet, Tips for Acknowledging Mother's Day and Father's Day, provides suggestions as we approach Mother's Day. A new tip sheet, Sugerencias para Conmemorar el Dia de las Madres y el Dia del Padre, is also now available in Spanish.
If you’re concerned about the approach of Mother’s Day, or want to support someone who is grieving, here are some ideas to consider:
- The lead up can often be the hardest part. Be sure to build in time and activities that are comforting and supportive for at least a week before the holiday.
- Come up with a plan, even if that plan is to do nothing. If you choose to acknowledge the day, consider doing something that connects you with the person and what they meant to you.
- With children, it’s helpful to talk with them ahead of time about what they would like to do or not do. Let children know that it’s okay to want to celebrate and equally okay to not want to.
- Be prepared for other people. There will be friends and family who reach out and those who don’t. Consider letting people know ahead of time what kinds of messages and texts feel supportive (and which ones don’t).
- Social media will likely be a flurry of posts all about the day, including memories of past years. Consider taking a social media break or choose ahead of time what you want to post.
- Plan something for yourself. It can be a hike, brunch with friends, a trip out of town, or anything that feels right to you. Think through what environment you want to be in, knowing that you are likely to run into families celebrating the day.
How you approach Mother’s Day is as unique as grief and your relationship with the person who died. There are no right or wrong answers, or ways to feel. Find articles, activities, podcast episodes, tip sheets, and more available at no cost. Download here.
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