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Raising children is a difficult job. Can you imagine how much more difficult it is when a spouse dies? Are you or is someone you know in this situation? Losing a spouse is heartbreaking, but much more so when there are young children grieving with you.

Going through life without a spouse makes it hard to get through day-to-day activities. Do you or does someone you know face the added responsibility of raising children alone as well?

If you want to know more about raising a child after the death of your spouse, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about this very topic.

Raising children takes so much time, it might seem like a widow or widower hardly has a chance to rest, much less grieve. This interview is a chance to learn how to make it through this difficult period.

Finding Time for Grief when Raising Children

Valerie kicks off the episode by talking about balancing the fact that you need to grieve while still being present and available for the children in your care.

Then Valerie discusses sharing emotions with children and offers a bit of advice for how to take time for yourself to grieve without feeling guilty about it.

Grieving while raising children after the death of your spouse is very difficult but, as Valerie explains, it is possible.

If you are trying to raise children without your spouse, then one thing to remember is that nobody expects you to become a super parent and take care of everything by yourself.

Helping Children Grieve the Death of a Parent

Then Valerie goes on to explain what parents can do to help children deal with their grief. During the podcast she answers questions such as:

- Is it okay if my child laughs and plays like the death never happened?
- How can I expect my preteen to exhibit grief and their emotions?
- Why shouldn\u2019t I tell my children that a deceased loved one went to sleep?
- Should I allow my children to attend the funeral service or memorial?

Now ask yourself these two questions:
1) Am I raising children alone due to my spouse\u2019s death?
2) Do I know a widow or widower who is raising children alone?

If you answered yes to either or both questions then listen to his podcast for suggestions and advice about the situation.

Helping a Parent who Lost their Spouse

Next Valerie explains how children process grief in different ways than adults. She offers resources to parents who might need help raising children after their spouse has died.

Valerie goes on to discuss how to help someone you know who has their spouse, including insight and tips for ways to help reduce their day-to-day stress.

Grief knows no geographical boundaries, and Vancouver, British Columbia has its share of people who are grieving someone, many of which are now single parents as a result of death.

The episode concludes with Valerie offering some final thoughts on raising children after the death of your spouse.

Do You Want to Know More about Raising Children after a Spouse Dies?

Are you a widow or widower who is raising children alone? Do you know someone else who is in this situation? Listen to the entire podcast and afterward, please share your comments and any questions you have below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1