For Parents

You are grieving. Your children are grieving. Where do you start? How do you take time to care for yourself when you're trying to be strong for your children?

As a parent, these are difficult questions to answer and are even more difficult to actually do. While there is no text book that outlines exactly what our grief will look like, feel like and how long it will last, there are some things that can help.

At Ted E. Bear Hollow, all of our programs are led by caring, trained volunteers. We design our support groups and day camps with the whole family in mind, so you don't have to be even more anxious or concerned than you already are. After doing some activities together, we separate into age-appropriate groups so that we can really focus our energies and intentions on helping to support your children and teens where they are.

They may be sad, angry, lonely, scared or confused and these are all normal emotions. Some of your children may be acting out, crying more easily, becoming withdrawn, or even helping out more around the house. Don't worry. These, too, are normal reactions after someone has died. You may be concerned that your child has not cried much, or that they are crying too much. Just as you want to protect your children, they also want to protect you. Click here for more information about grieving kids.

We want you to know that you are not alone. There is a support network of caring families and volunteers who are here to listen, to sit and visit with you, to companion you on this grief journey.

Rest assured that your children will be in good hands, and that they will have an opportunity to receive support in a non-judgemental, safe environment. It is our hope that as a family you will learn new healthy and socially appropriate ways to deal with your grief and loss so that over time you will begin to move forward. Not move on. Not get over it. But learn to live and find meaning even after someone you care about has died. You cannot do it alone, and we cannot do it for you. But we can do it together.

We invite you to become a part of the Ted E. Bear Hollow family. This website will provide you with some helpful information, and our support groups, day camps and teen retreats help create this support network you may be looking for.

Click here for more information on family programs. There is never a charge to participate.

Please call 502-2773 for more information or with questions about Ted E. Bear Hollow.

Poems, Short Stories, Songs - Share your poems, short stories and songs with other parents and caregivers!

Adults Helping Adults - A new support group just for adult caregivers who have already brought their child(ren) through our evening bi-weekly support groups.