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Tips for grieving through Mother\\u2019s Day

• Whether you want to acknowledge the day or want to ignore it, know that the lead up, for many people, is the worst part. It can help to make a plan for the days leading up to Mother\\u2019s Day.
• If you are supporting a grieving child, talk with them and their teacher ahead of time about possible activities at school. Work with the teacher and the child to come up with alternatives and options.\\xa0
• Let children know they can still celebrate Mother\\u2019s Day - and that it\\u2019s okay if they don\\u2019t want to. Don\\u2019t force children to pick another adult to honor, unless it\\u2019s something they want to do.\\xa0
• Know that there will be an inundation of advertisements in many places. If needed, come up with some strategies to navigate shopping and social media.\\xa0
• Consider a social media fast for the day - or - plan what you want to post. Maybe choose a favorite picture and think ahead about what you want to write.\\xa0
• Identify other women in your life you would like to celebrate- and - it\\u2019s okay if you don\\u2019t want to. Don\\u2019t pressure yourself to put someone in that role if it feels inconsiderate, impossible, or dishonoring of your mom.\\xa0
• Plan something for yourself - massage, hike, brunch with friends, etc. Decide what environment you want to be in, knowing that you are likely to run into moms and families.
• Get together with or reach out to others who are grieving the loss of their mom.\\xa0
• Focus on a category - say food, movies, activities, color, or music - choose a few from one or all the categories that your mom loved. Plan part or all of the day to do something with those elements. Maybe it\\u2019s eating a favorite meal while watching a loved movie and wearing their favorite color. This is a great one to include children.\\xa0
• Volunteer - doing for others can often take us out of our own experience and create a sense of contribution, belonging, and connection.\\xa0