Getting Through the Loss of a Child
Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation • September 28, 2020
Losing a child is an unimaginable heartbreak. Use these tips, from planning a cremation service to dealing with your grief, to help you through your time of loss.
Losing a child leads to unimaginable pain and grief. How are you supposed to get through your daily activities, much less plan a cremation service in Sterling, IL? These tips are practical suggestions that can help you through your time of loss after the passing of your child.
- Allow Mourning – No matter what the circumstances of your child’s death, you will need to share in your grief with someone else. Whether you share with a spouse, family member or friend, you need to take time to mourn and grieve in your own way with the help of a loved one.
- Expect the Unexpected – Any loss can have a large effect on your mind and body alike, so be prepared for a wide range of physical and emotional responses after the loss of a child. You might feel confused, afraid, guilty, disorganized, and angry, even all at the same time. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly experience surges of grief, even at the most unexpected times. This is all normal and healthy after a loss.
- Take Your Time with Big Decisions – Take your time making any big decisions or choices as your grief might lead to you make choices you normally wouldn’t or might cause additional confusion and stress. If you have to make some big choices, like planning a cremation or dealing with something at work, try and talk over your options and decision with a trusted friend, family member or your spouse.
- Seeing and Holding Your Child – Many parents that lose a child via miscarriage or stillbirth are given the option to see and hold their baby before he or she is prepared for burial or cremation. This is completely up to you. Many people find it a good way to say goodbye and have a bit of closure, while others find it simply too painful. If you decide to see and hold your baby, spend as much time as you need with your baby. If you decide not to see your child, that’s perfectly OK.
- Gather Keepsakes – Physical keepsakes are some of the best ways to remember a child after he or she passes. Gather keepsakes like blankets, toys, clothing, footprint or handprint sets, and hospital bracelets. You don’t have to hold them or display them if it’s too painful right away but do put them away in a box so you can have them later on when the pain of loss isn’t as fresh.
- Rituals Help – Rituals like cremations, memorials and funerals go a long way toward helping you say goodbye in a healthy way. They also help you express your grief in a healthy way. Don’t shy away from planning and hosting a service for your lost child, but also don’t feel rushed into planning one right away. You can always hold a memorial after some time has passed and you’re more settled.
Losing a child is a tragedy, but hopefully these tips can provide some relief in the face of your tremendous loss. If you want to learn more about Sterling, IL cremation services Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help.
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Grief has a way of weaving itself into everyday life, often arriving quietly and lingering longer than expected. For families searching for guidance from funeral homes Morrison, IL , questions often extend beyond arrangements and into how to cope once daily routines resume. While grief looks different for everyone, simple daily practices can provide structure, comfort, and moments of calm during an otherwise overwhelming time. These small, intentional habits can help create emotional steadiness as healing begins. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we have walked alongside families long after services conclude, and we understand that grief does not follow a timeline. Our conversations often focus on gentle, realistic ways to care for emotional well-being. Coping does not mean moving on. Instead, it means learning how to carry loss with compassion for yourself. Begin Each Day with Gentle Intention Mornings can feel especially heavy when grief is present. Starting the day with intention helps set an emotional tone that feels manageable. This might mean taking a few quiet moments before the day begins to breathe deeply, reflect, or simply acknowledge how you are feeling. Naming emotions can be powerful. Saying, even silently, “Today may be hard, and that is okay,” creates space for self-compassion. Over time, this practice helps reduce pressure to feel a certain way and allows emotions to come and go naturally. Create Space for Reflection Grief often brings waves of memories. Rather than pushing them away, setting aside time for reflection can be healing. Journaling, writing letters, or spending time with meaningful keepsakes can help process emotions in a healthy way. Reflection does not need to be lengthy or structured. Even a few minutes each day can help organize thoughts and release emotional tension. This consistent outlet often brings clarity and emotional balance. Maintain Simple Routines Routine provides stability during emotional uncertainty. Simple daily tasks such as preparing meals, going for a short walk, or keeping a regular sleep schedule can help ground the mind and body. These routines are not about productivity. Instead, they remind us that life continues at a pace we can engage gently. Over time, routine offers reassurance and a sense of normalcy without diminishing the significance of loss. Practice Mindful Movement Physical movement supports emotional health. Gentle activities like stretching, walking, or light exercise encourage the body to release stress. Movement also provides a mental break, allowing emotions to settle naturally. Mindful movement focuses on presence rather than performance. Paying attention to breath and sensation helps anchor the mind in the present moment, offering brief relief from emotional heaviness. Allow Moments of Connection Grief can feel isolating, even when surrounded by others. Intentionally creating moments of connection can help counter that sense of loneliness. This might include talking with a trusted friend, sharing memories with family, or participating in a support group. Connection does not require constant conversation. Simply being with someone who listens without judgment can be profoundly comforting. These moments remind us that support exists even when words are hard to find. Give Yourself Permission to Rest Emotional exhaustion is a common part of grief. Rest is not a luxury but a necessity. Allowing yourself time to rest, whether through quiet moments, short naps, or reduced commitments, supports healing . Rest also involves setting boundaries. Saying no when energy is low protects emotional health and prevents burnout during an already challenging season. Find Comfort in Familiar Practices Familiar routines, traditions, or spiritual practices often bring comfort during grief. Whether it is music, reading, prayer, or time outdoors, these practices provide emotional grounding. Consistency matters more than complexity. Returning to what feels familiar helps create a sense of safety and continuity when everything else feels uncertain. Coping with grief is a deeply personal journey shaped by daily choices and compassionate support. Families who turn to funeral homes Morrison, IL often seek reassurance that healing can happen gradually and authentically. At Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation, we believe ongoing care matters just as much as initial guidance. We invite you to explore our grief support resources to find thoughtful tools and insights that can help you navigate each day with patience, understanding, and renewed emotional strength.
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