"Though a life has ended, it won't really end depending how person is celebrated and remembered." Emilio Parga, MA, is the Founder & Executive Director of The Solace Tree in Reno, Nevada, a grief and loss center for children, teens and families.

“Grief is neither a problem to solve nor a difficulty to overcome.  It’s a sacred sorrow worthy of expression.”  These are the words of child grief expert Leslie Delp, who helped a group of parents, teachers, and caregivers understand grief through the eyes of a child at a community forum.

Camp Mend A Heart, a one-day camp designed to support grieving children who have experienced a death of a loved one, will be held Saturday, June 2, at Camp Cann-Edi-On near York Haven, Pa.

At this special community forum, child grief experts Leslie Delp, M.A. (founder and bereavement specialist at Olivia’s House in York, PA) along with Emilio Parga, M.A. (founder and director at The Solace Tree in Reno, Nevada), helped us sort through myths, fears, and questions related to children’s grief.

“I would never take my child to the funeral.  She doesn’t understand anyway.”
“I figure I'll just take the pictures down of Nana for a while.  Being reminded of her will only upset my son more.”
“My teenager doesn’t talk about his dad anymore.  I’m so glad he is over that.”
“I’m afraid I’m gonna say something wrong so I won’t say anything at all."

Can you relate to some of these comments about the way that children grieve?  You’re not alone.