Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Reconciling Loss
• Part 2 of 3: Get support
• Part 3 of 3: Learn to Move on
• Tips
• Warnings

For many people, the death of a grandparent means the loss of a very close relative who played an important role in their lives. After the death of a grandmother, a person can experience many different emotions. The loss of a loved one is frightening and unsettling. The loss of a grandmother is often the first loss in life, which only complicates the feelings experienced. Death is a natural part of life, with which sooner or later we have to deal. Learn how to reconcile, find support, and move on with your grandmother's death.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Reconciling Loss

1. 1 Feel your emotions. It will be easier to cope if you do not resist and do not restrain your feelings. Sorrow is never right or wrong. There is no time frame for her. Try not to contain your bouts of anger, sadness, confusion, or detachment. Over time, it will become easier for you.
   • Some grandchildren are more affected by the death of their grandmother due to the length of the relationship, the closeness of the relationship, the cause of death, or the reaction of the rest of the family. Adults should be open about their grief and thus show children or adolescents that sadness and tears are normal.
2. 2 Think about what she taught you. Think about how you feel about your grandmother's death. If necessary, write down your thoughts in a journal. Think back to the pleasant moments and appreciate how she influenced your life. Ask others to share their memories of what your grandmother's life was like. If you realize that her life was spent next to her family, was filled with love and unusual experiences, then you will feel better.
3. 3 Memorial service. Be sure to come to the memorial service to come to terms with the death of your grandmother and provide support for your relatives.
   • If you are still young, then your parents will decide for themselves whether you can go to the funeral or commemoration. If you want to attend, please let your parents know.
   • They will then explain how the funeral and memorial service takes place to discuss how you can handle it. Tell them that attending the funeral will help you reconcile and honor your grandmother.
4. 4 Make a memory box or scrapbook. This activity will help you rethink what happened and come to terms with the loss. Choose your favorite photos and souvenirs that remind you of your grandmother. A memory box can contain anything - recipes, lyrics of her favorite songs, or a collection of stories from her life. Decorate the box or scrapbook to your liking.
   • If you were not allowed to attend the funeral due to your age, then such a creative work will help you come to terms with the loss. But even if you attended a funeral or commemoration, memories and conversations about your grandmother in the process of making the album will allow you to honor her memory.
5. 5 Understand the nature of death. Ask the necessary questions to understand why your grandmother died. Perhaps knowing that your grandmother suffered from a long illness and is now not worried about pain will help you come to terms with the loss. Perception and attitude towards death depends on age.
   • Young children aged 5-6 years often take everything literally, so the phrase "Grandma fell asleep forever" can scare them and make them think that they too can fall asleep like that.Parents must convince their children that they are not to blame for the death of their grandmother, as some children mistakenly believe that death is due to their behavior. For example, a child may think that their grandmother died because they rarely saw each other.
   • Children over 9 years old and adolescents are already able to understand the inevitability of death and accept the fact that everyone dies sooner or later.

Part 2 of 3: Get support

1. 1 Spend time with your family. Sadness only intensifies when you spend time alone. Do not forget that there are close people near you who have also lost a dear person. Resist the urge to run away or look strong, and try to find comfort in your loved ones, who are also mourning the loss.
2. 2 Turn to faith. If you are a religious or spiritual person, then it's time to reread those lines that convince you that everything will work out over time. Religious and spiritual gatherings can also help you come to terms with loss, bond with your loved ones, and give you hope for a brighter future.
   • Research shows that people with deep spiritual convictions (through belief in human life and the afterlife) are more likely to recover from grief than others.
   • If you are not a believer, then such mundane activities as frequent visits to the grave in the cemetery and caring for grandma's belongings will help you.
3. 3 Support Group. People who have also lost loved ones can help you and your loved ones cope with the loss. In a support group, you can listen to others and share your feelings with those who have also experienced the pain of loss. Such groups help people get through the first weeks and months after the death of a loved one.
4. 4 Consultant psychologist. If you cannot live normally and constantly think about your grief, then it is better to seek help from a specialist. A counseling psychologist will help you cope with the loss and teach you how to properly cope with the situation.

Part 3 of 3: Learn to Move on

1. 1 Indulge in memories. The best way to feel better after the death of a loved one is to make fond memories. Think about times when you laughed together, had fun, or other pleasant situations that you experienced with your grandmother. Also, over time, you can revise your box or memory album so as not to forget about all the moments you have experienced.
2. 2 Take care of yourself. When mourning a loved one, it is easy to forget about yourself and not get out of bed surrounded by handkerchiefs. Get up and go outside for some fresh air. Start eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. Self-care strengthens the body and spirit. Go for a massage, take a relaxing bath with aromatic oils, do some meditation, write in a journal, or read a good book.
3. 3 Support your family. Focusing on helping others will make it easier for you to cope with the loss and move on. Support your parents and brothers during this difficult time. One of your parents lost their mom - it's a terrible ordeal. Remind you that you love your loved ones, and try to take care of them even in small things - offer to make tea or wash the dishes.
4. 4 Let grandma into your life. Feel the joy that your grandmother lives in your memory. You can continue her business or adopt a hobby to pay tribute to her memory. Learn to sew if your grandmother did, or learn how to cook traditional family meals.
5. 5 Don't be afraid to smile again. You shouldn't feel guilty about laughing or having fun after your grandmother's death. It may seem like you are showing disrespect with your joy, but you are not. It is hoped that your grandmother lived the happy and fulfilling life that she would wish for you too. Sadness feels like darkness and cold. Feel free to let a ray of warm sunshine into your life and hang out with friends or play board games with family.

Tips

• If the next day you are unable to endure work or study, then it is better to stay at home.It is normal and expected that you will need time to recover.
• Sadness, anger, or frustration are important steps in the healing process. Grief is not a sign of weakness at all, but a consequence of a strong and good relationship.
• If you are feeling very sad, angry, or anxious, talk to an adult you trust. A simple conversation will already help you feel better, and in addition, you can get advice on how to come to terms with the situation.

Warnings

• It is better not to tell young children that someone died because of age, otherwise the child will be afraid of losing other older relatives, since he may have a rather distorted idea of ​​age.