Today I spoke on BBC Radio Sussex about Father’s Day and how we can help grieving children on what can be a very difficult day for thousands of children. For many years I wouldn’t even think about Father’s Day, I wouldn’t even acknowledge it. But when I became a dad myself, that’s when Father’s Day meant something again. It’s like the other key dates across the year, like the day my dad died; they’re points where I take an opportunity to reflect on my dad and remember him. I try not to view it negatively, but it is hard. It’s hard when you see all the Father’s Day adverts and emails coming in. To any grieving children facing Father’s Day without their Dad, I’d say it’s ok to feel sad. It’s ok to feel all the emotions you’re feeling. It’s ok to smile and remember your dad. Try to have a moment of reflection. On the day before just say to yourself, ‘Tomorrow I’m going to take time to sit down with my thoughts.’ If you haven’t got anything, then just use the memories and have a bit of peace to remember. If you’ve got someone there that you can talk to, don’t be afraid to open up. It’s important that children and young people (and adults) struggling with grief know that, although you will always miss that special person, you can go on to live a positive life after the death of a loved one.
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