The Childrens Room » Parents Council

Save the Date: Annual Memories Walk – October 3

betzi — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:33:50 +0000

We know — October seems so far off — this school year isn’t even over yet! But, the date has been set, and we are already at work preparing for Memories That Move Us. The Children’s Room annual memories walk will take place on Sunday, October 3rd in Arlington. We hope that you will mark your calendar and join us in the fall. More information will be coming soon!

Your Changing Relationship with Your In-Laws – Sunday Night Discussion, May 2

betzi — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:17:16 +0000

How has your relationship with your in-laws changed after your spouse’s death? Was it a good relationship before the death? Have they continued to make you feel that you are and will continue to be a part of their family? Or perhaps it is too painful for them to remain in close contact. You and/or your children are a constant reminder of their beloved. You need to feel close to those who loved your spouse too. After all, they knew your spouse longer than you did, and have more stories to share with your children.

Our Parent Alumni Group is hosting a discussion group around this topic on Sunday, May 2, from 6:30-8:00 pm. Alumni parents, current parents, and waitlist parents are all welcome, as well as anyone interested in joining the discussion.

To attend, please RSVP by emailing info@childrensroom.org.
The group meets at The Children’s Room, 1210 Mass Ave, Arlington.

Drop-In Discussion Group – May 12

betzi — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:26:27 +0000

Our parent alumni group is hosting a monthly series of informal discussions on Wednesday evenings. The discussions are open to any parent or guardian of a family who has experienced the loss of a spouse or a child. We hope these discussion groups will be especially supportive for the adults in families on our waitlist.

Topics may include anything from how to answer your children’s questions, to how to ask for help from family and friends. Not only will you find sensitivity and kindness from this group, but you will also be meeting other parents who are struggling with the adjustment to the new reality of life without your loved ones.

We meet at the house in Arlington from 7:00-8:30 pm.

Please RSVP to kim@childrensroom.org to help us best prepare for the meeting. Light refreshments will be served. We apologize that we are not able to offer childcare at this time. We look forward to welcoming you to any or all of our drop-in discussions!

Helping Your Teenager Through Their Loss – Sunday Night Discussion, March 7

betzi — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:04:51 +0000

Our Parent Alumni Group is hosting a discussion group on Sunday, March 7, from 6:30-8:00 pm.

Please join us for an evening of conversation around the topic of helping your teenager through their loss. Alumni parents, current parents, and waitlist parents are all welcome, as well as anyone interested in joining the discussion around this topic.

RSVP by emailing info@childrensroom.org. The group meets at The Children’s Room, 1210 Mass Ave, Arlington.

Drop-In Discussion Groups

afavaloro@childrensroom.org — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:21:33 +0000

Our parent alumni group, who have been through our program, will be hosting a series of informal discussion evenings. We hope these Wednesday evening discussion groups will be especially supportive for parents and guardians of families on our waitlist.

Please RSVP to kim@childrensroom.org to help us best prepare for these meetings. Light refreshments will be served. We apologize that we are not able to offer childcare at this time. Come join us on: January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14, and May 12. We will be meeting at the house in Arlington from 7:00-8:30 pm.

We look forward to welcoming you to any or all of our drop-in discussions!

Getting Through the Holidays After the Loss of a Loved One: Sunday Night Discussion – November 8

betzi — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:29:25 +0000

For parents and other adults who have lost a close loved one – family or friend, there are so many discussions, issues, and concerns that arise. There are topics that are difficult to discuss with people who have not experienced something similar.

The Children’s Room Parents Council, a group of program alumni who are dedicated to our mission and to the support of peers, is offering a Sunday Night Discussion Series to create a forum for these conversations. These discussions are open to the public, and there is no fee to attend. We just ask that you RSVP.

All discussion groups will meet from 6:30-8:00 at our house in Arlington. The next 2 topics in the series are:

Getting Through the Holidays After the Loss of a Loved One: November 8th
Holding on to traditions or letting go? How about creating “new” traditions? Come hear how others have found ways to get through some of the most difficult days and situations.

Dating and/or Remarriage After the Loss of a Spouse: January 10th
Listen to and discuss with others the complex issues around this decision — from finding the time to date, to bringing the children into the new relationship, to merging households.

Upcoming Discussions:
Helping Your Teenagers Through the Loss of a Loved One: March 7
Your Changing Relationship to Your In-Laws After the Loss of Your Spouse: May 2

Please visit our calendar for a complete schedule.
For more information or to RSVP for a Discussion, please send email to info@childrensroom.org.

Visit our improved ‘Resources’ page!

mredmond@childrensroom.org — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:45:54 +0000

We are pleased to announce that our Resources page has been updated to include much more information designed to help you better understand and support grieving children, teens, and families. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, counselor, or friend, we hope you’ll find the information here useful.

Stay connected

kkillion@childrensroom.org — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:40:42 +0000

Thank you for visiting our website! Sign up for our newsletter, or update your address, phone and email using our easy online form.

Dating and Re-Marriage After the Loss of Your Spouse

bclarke@childrensroom.org — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:27:49 +0000

Sunday, May 3rd from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, we invite you to another workshop in our Parenting Through Grief Series, sponsored by the “alumni” parents of The Children’s Room.

Our next topic is on dating and marrying after a loss.

Everyone is different, and our parents will talk about making decisions about dating. Taking the next step and remarrying is a important moment in your life, so come hear what other parents have to say about taking the plunge.

The public is welcome to attend, admission is free, and RSVPs are essential so we may plan. Email info@childrensroom.org.

The workshop takes place at The Children’s Room headquarters, 1210 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington.

Words That Help, Words That Hurt – What To Say To Someone Grieving

bclarke@childrensroom.org — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:00:44 +0000

Our Parents Council, a group of “alumni” parents and other caring parents come together for workshops on a variety of topics. The following information was compiled from their recent workshop.

Words That Don’t Help

We have all been hurt by people saying or doing the wrong things in response to the tragic loss of a loved one. It often times makes things more difficult and can cause more pain and anger. Some common examples are:

“You are the man of the house now and you need to take care of your mother”
“How are you?”
“Your loved one is at peace now.”
“God gives you what you can handle.”
“I know exactly how you feel.”
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“They are in a better place.”
“You need to be strong for the kids.”

We all agreed that people in general don’t know what to say, so often times they say the wrong things and these comments can be very hurtful. There are words that can heal and there are words that hurt. People are not trying to be malicious but they are uncomfortable around you and often times say the wrong things.

Words That Help

There are many things that can be said that will help and here is a list of them.
“I don’t know what to say”
“I am thinking about you”
“I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers”
“I am here for you”
“I don’t know how you feel but I am here to help in any way I can”.

Sometimes a hug or a gesture of kindness is better than saying anything. Don’t wait for the person to ask for help. Do something that you think will help even if you are not asked. Actions speak louder than words.

Take the children out and give the mother or father a little rest.

Sit with the person and just let them talk about their loved one and don’t try and offer any advice. Don’t be afraid to admit that you feel helpless and you don’t know what to say or do.