Home Family & SocietyBlended Families Dealing With the Loss of a Parent

Dealing With the Loss of a Parent

Successful Step Parenting

written by Mel Menzies February 15, 2019
Dealing With the Loss of a Parent

Whenever the subject of single parents marrying again arises, there is a tendency to think that the greatest consideration should be given to the impact of divorce on children. Those coping with the loss of a parent through death appear to receive less in the way of attention. Perhaps the concept of a “replacement parent” is perceived, by onlookers, to be a net gain? But this simplification of complex emotions shows a complete lack of understanding and grossly underestimates the problems such attitudes may foster in the resulting stepfamily.

The issues:

  1. The emotions of the child dealing with the loss of a parent
  2. The feelings of the “replacement parent”
  3. The behavior of the biological parent

Today, I will be dealing only with the first issue: the effects of grief on a child whose remaining parent is marrying again.

The Child Dealing With the Loss of a Parent

Since the beginning of time, the concept of the wicked step parent has been at the center of fiction and drama. From Cinderella to Oliver, Hamlet to Princess Diana, the step-relationship has been an endlessly fascinating topic. The distress and effect may be different for each child, but chances are that they will experience one or more of the following emotions. These may not be immediately obvious.

To access the rest of this article, please register for a free membership

  

Related Articles

Log In

Lost Password

Register

The first step to becoming a member of the RD&T Community and the beginning of your personal Journey to Ultimate Success:

Join Now

Click the button below to register for a free membership and have access to unlimited articles.