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Our Locations

Community Care Hospice

1669 Rombach Ave.
Wilmington, OH 45177
Phone: 937.382.5400
Fax: 937.383.3898

Ohio's Community Mercy Hospice

1830 N. Limestone St.
Springfield, OH 45503
Phone: 937.390.9665

Ohio's Hospice at United Church Homes

Chapel Hill
12200 Strausser St. NW
Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Phone: 330.264.4899

Ohio's Hospice at United Church Homes

200 Timberline Dr. #1212
Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: 740.629.9990

Ohio's Hospice LifeCare

1900 Akron Rd.
Wooster, OH 44691
Phone: 330.264.4899

Ohio's Hospice Loving Care

779 London Ave.
Marysville, OH 43040
Phone: 937.644.1928

Ohio's Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties

5940 Long Meadow Dr.
Middletown, OH 45005
Phone: 513.422.0300

Ohio's Hospice of Dayton

324 Wilmington Ave.
Dayton, OH 45420
Phone: 937.256.4490
1.800.653.4490

Ohio's Hospice of Central Ohio

Newark

2269 Cherry Valley Rd.
Newark, OH 43055
Phone: 740.788.1400

Inpatient Care Center

1320 West Main St.
Newark, OH 43055
Phone: 740.344.0379

Ohio's Hospice of Central Ohio at
The Ohio State University
Wexner Medical Center

410 W 10th Ave - 7th Floor
Columbus, OH 43210
Phone: 614.685.0001

Ohio's Hospice of Fayette County

222 N. Oakland Ave.
Washington Court House, OH 43160
Phone: 740.335.0149

Ohio's Hospice of Miami County

3230 N. Co. Rd. 25A
Troy, OH 45373
Phone: 937.335.5191

Ohio's Hospice of Morrow County

228 South St.
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: 419.946.9822

Ohio's Hospice

Dayton

7575 Paragon Rd.
Dayton, OH 45459
Phone: 937.256.4490
1.800.653.4490

Cincinnati

11013 Montgomery Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45249
1.800.653.4490

Supporting Grieving Children During the Holidays | Learn more about how you and your child can plan activities and new traditions during this difficult time.

Supporting Grieving Children During the Holidays

The holidays can be very difficult for grieving children, especially during the first year of the loss of their loved one. Holidays are often celebrated with loved ones and include family traditions.
 
Because of this, holidays can be both a reminder of the loss of a loved one as well as reminders of special, pleasant memories shared with that person. This can be a painful time for children as they watch others enjoy the holidays, but they are experiencing a feeling of longing for their loved one.
 
Often, the anticipation for the holiday can be worse than the special day itself.
 
What can parents do to help? It is helpful to let grieving children know that they may feel some painful feelings during the holidays. This is normal. Encourage them to tell you about their feelings. With your child, plan activities and new traditions that can add creativity and fun to an otherwise hard situation. Here are some ideas:

  • Draw pictures or make cards of favorite holiday memories with your loved one.
  • Create a special ornament to hang on the tree or doorway.
  • Write a holiday letter to your loved one and place it in a special place. The letter can be wrapped as a present under the tree or tied with a bow and placed next to their picture.
  • Place a picture of your loved one at the dinner table with a candle so they are part of the holiday feast.
  • Cook a favorite dish or dessert that your loved one enjoyed.
  • Create a gratitude bowl. Family members can write their holiday memories of their loved ones on colorful slips of paper and read them aloud during a special time during the holidays.

These activities are powerful and healing. They allow the child to mourn while giving them permission to enjoy the holidays.
  
Pathways of Hope℠ Grief Counseling Centers
Ohio’s Hospice offers grief and bereavement support through our Pathways of Hope℠ Grief Counseling Centers, which provide a variety of services to the communities we serve. Support and education are provided by a team of counselors and social workers, all with significant experience and expertise in assisting grieving children, adolescents and adults.

If you and your child need additional grief and bereavement support, please contact our Pathways of Hope℠ Grief Counseling Centers. For more information about Pathways of Hope, click here.

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