Giving a Voice to Your Grief
You may feel many different emotions during the holidays including grief. This is common for special needs parents. Giving a voice to your grief will help decrease the intensity of the emotions. At the same time, allow yourself to feel positive emotions and stay in the present moment.
- When you notice a painful emotion or thought, try to avoid pushing it away.
- Instead, be curious about why you are feeling this way.
- Allow yourself to feel the painful emotion.
- Validate your emotions. It makes sense that you’re feeling this way.
- Be kind to yourself like you would to a good friend who is grieving.
- Also allow yourself to feel positive emotions at the same time.
- Stay in the present moment.
Dr. Todd and Kristin Evans are celebrating 22 years of marriage. They are award-winning authors, speakers, and parents of two children with complex needs. Their new book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities will release in May 2024 by Baker Books. They both earned their MA in Christian Educational Ministries at Wheaton College in Illinois and have served together in full-time ministry in church, camping, and retreat settings. Todd received his PhD from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering and currently manages his own business, and Kristin earned her MSW from the University of Tennessee and is a Licensed Master Social Worker experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling.
Disability Parenting