Father’s Day is supposed to be day of celebration, but for children who have lost their dad or father figure, it’s a painful reminder of their absence. While others are making cards and planning special moments, grieving children may feel isolated, confused or even overwhelmed by emotions they don’t yet know how to process – […]
Father’s Day is supposed to be day of celebration, but for children who have lost their dad or father figure, it’s a painful reminder of their absence. While others are making cards and planning special moments, grieving children may feel isolated, confused or even overwhelmed by emotions they don’t yet know how to process – even if it’s been several years since their dad died.
As caregivers, educators and supporters, it’s important that we create enough space this Father’s Day for children to process and express their feelings. This blog explores ways in which you can offer meaningful support and help grieving children feel seen and heard during a difficult time.
Grief doesn’t always look the same in children as it does in adults. Some become quiet or withdrawn, while others act out or become angry. Sleep disturbances, changes in appetite or sudden emotional outbursts can all be signs of suppressed grief. Other signs of grief in children include:
Being aware of these signals can help you respond with empathy rather than discipline or dismissal.
Finding ways to navigate grief doesn’t have to mean ignoring or forgetting about the person who died. This is especially true of someone as important as a beloved father. Your children might take comfort from doing something their dad loved – such as listening to his favourite album, baking his favourite cake or watching his favourite film.
Father’s Day is also the perfect opportunity to spend some time doing an activity their dad enjoyed. Every dad is different, but this could be golfing, walking along the beach or going to the cinema.
Encouraging children to talk about their feelings without pressure is essential. This could mean setting aside quiet time to reflect on precious memories, asking them to draw how they’re feeling or simply being present and ready to listen whenever they want to talk. Some children may not have the words to say, “I’m sad” or “I miss him,”. Non-verbal expression therefore sometimes feels safer, especially for younger children who may not have the words to articulate complex emotions. Some examples include:
These creative outlets help children process grief, which can be especially helpful for younger kids who don’t quite understand death or those who struggle to talk about loss.
Helping your children find ways to remember and celebrate their dad can bring a lot of comfort – especially on Father’s Day. Simple ideas include creating a memory box, lighting a candle, planting something in Dad’s honour or sharing stories and happy memories as a family. This experience helps children maintain a connection to their dad in a way that feels comforting instead of overwhelmingly sad and upsetting.
When someone as important as a father passes away, it’s natural for children to avoid talking about him. The pain is often too overwhelming. But gently encouraging them to share memories or speak about their dad can help keep his presence and spirit alive. These conversations, even when they lead to tough questions about his death, are an important part of the healing process. By talking openly about loss, we help children understand that grief is a natural process and that remembering their dad as he lived, not just as someone who died, is a meaningful way to keep his memory close to them.
Some schools and nurseries hold card-making activities in the run-up to Father’s Day. This can be a tough experience for children who have just lost their dad, but it can also be a lovely way for them to honour them. The card can form part of a memory box – or you can even place it next to a lit candle as a way to remember him on the day. You could also place it on the fridge via a magnet to raise a smile whenever you go about your normal routine.
Many children and young adults find comfort and guidance from people they already know and trust. However, if your child needs additional support around the topic of death, Child Bereavement UK has several resources that can help them cope and understand, including short animated films, books and resources, helplines and even face-to-face support.
On Sunday June 15th, join us in your local Park for our annual Father’s Day Event, where you’ll have the opportunity to remember and reflect in the beauty of our nature-rich surroundings. Everyone is welcome!
