MAKING ROOM FOR CHILDHOOD GRIEF
In a fast-paced society like Singapore that runs on productivity and efficiency, making room for grief requires deliberate effort.
The weight of childhood grief should not sit on the shoulders of a young child or the surviving parent alone. It needs to be shouldered by those who can guide, support and process their grief with them appropriately.
A dying parent should also know that the act of asking and accepting help is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is an indication of great courage to acknowledge that raising a child in the shadow of impending loss requires a village.
It is a necessary step in supporting not only themselves but also their surviving spouse and young children through the inevitable journey of bereavement.
Teaching children who are struck by this stressful life event to grieve and cope with loss is an investment in the emotional resilience of society at large.
Perhaps then, unlike Adam, young persons will never again bear any misconception, and carry the burden of guilt, that their misbehaviours or actions caused the illness or even death of their beloved parent.
*Pseudonyms were used in this commentary.
Lim Wee Kuan Gracia is Senior Medical Social Worker and Programme Lead, HCA Hospice.