Navigating the Loss of a Family Member

When a family member dies, family dynamics can drastically change. Your loved one played an important role in your life and there is now a hole of where that loved one used to be. It will take you and your family time to find a new normal for your family.

Holidays and birthdays can be especially hard after you’ve lost a loved one, especially the first set of holidays following a death.

It may feel weird celebrating without your loved one, especially if your family celebrates any traditions. But I think it’s important to continue to honor any traditions your family would like to continue, as well as create new ones in your family.

My family loves birthdays, and ever since my dad passed, we have a new tradition of doing something in honor of him on his birthday. Usually this looks like eating pumpkin bread or going for a hike.

And it’s okay if birthdays or holidays are weird for awhile or even a long time. Continually give grace to yourself and to your family members. Your family members will probably grieve differently than you and that’s okay.

I encourage you to honestly communicate your needs to your family and respect their needs as well. Grief and loss are extremely emotional and trying, and there are many family dynamics at play. It’s more than okay if you need to set certain boundaries with your family for the sake of your own healing.