Some surviving parents are plagued with guilt. They feel their children were robbed of a mother or father and that they must make up for this. Guilt keeps many parents from taking care of themselves. Remember that we can only do our best and it is impossible to replace the deceased parent.

It is important to remember that your worries are different than your child's. Young children often grieve in short and intense bursts. Their moments of distress can be very difficult for you but they are usually short-lived. Grief usually does not dominate every waking moment for young children like it can for grieving adults.