Weekend Roundup Archives - Dayton Parent Magazine

Coping with Holiday Loss: Navigating Grief as a Family

Katy Mark — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 12:50:59 +0000

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, especially when you have little ones in the family. But for those who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be a difficult and emotional time.

As a family, navigating this new normal during the holiday season can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss tips and strategies for coping with loss as a family for the first time and how to create meaningful and comforting traditions for your little ones during this challenging time.

Understanding Grief in Children: Different Ages, Different Responses

Understanding how grief manifests in children of different ages is crucial in supporting them through the holiday season. Younger children may struggle with understanding the concept of death, while older children may experience a wider range of emotions, such as anger or guilt.

Preschoolers may exhibit regressive behaviors, while teenagers may withdraw or act out. It’s important to provide age-appropriate explanations, reassurance, and a safe space for them to express their feelings. By recognizing and validating their unique responses to grief, you can better help your little ones navigate this difficult time.

Communication is Key: Discussing Loss with Your Little Ones

Source: Raising Children Network

When it comes to discussing loss with your little ones, open and honest communication is crucial. Create a safe and comfortable space where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Use age-appropriate language to explain the concept of death and answer any questions they may have. Encourage them to share their feelings and memories, and let them know that it’s okay to grieve.

Reassure them that they are loved and supported and that you are there for them every step of the way. Communicating openly, you can help your little ones understand and cope with their loss during the holiday season.

Helping your Family Navigate the Holidays: Balancing Joy and Mourning

During the holiday season, it can be challenging to strike a balance between honoring your grief and finding moments of joy for your family. It’s important to give yourself permission to feel a range of emotions and acknowledge that it’s okay to find moments of happiness amidst the pain.

Incorporate traditions and activities that honor the memory of your loved one, such as lighting a candle or sharing stories. Allow yourself and your family to grieve and encourage moments of laughter and connection. Finding this delicate balance can help your family navigate the holidays with joy and mourning.

Tips for Creating New Holiday Traditions

Source: UpJourney

When dealing with losing a loved one, creating new holiday traditions can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and find comfort during the holiday season. Consider gifting each other memorial items such as memorial jewelry from Laurelbox or ornaments that remind you of your loved one.

Additionally, carrying on traditions that they took part in can help keep their memory alive. Whether cooking their favorite holiday dish or watching their favorite movie, incorporating these activities into your holiday celebrations can provide a sense of connection and warmth.

Finding Support: Resources for Bereaved Families

If you’re navigating the holiday season while grieving the loss of a loved one, it’s important to know that there are resources available to support you and your family. Many organizations and support groups offer grief counseling, therapy services, and online communities where you can connect with others who are going through a similar experience.

Additionally, local religious or community organizations may have grief support programs or holiday-specific events that can provide comfort and understanding. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of these resources. Remember, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone.

As you navigate the holiday season with your little ones while coping with loss, remember to be gentle with yourself and your family. This is a time of healing, growth, and creating new memories. Embrace the emotions and allow yourself to find moments of joy amidst the mourning.

Hold onto the love and connection you shared with your loved one and incorporate their memory into your holiday traditions. And always remember, you are not alone. Reach out for support, lean on your loved ones, and cherish the precious moments with your family this holiday season.

The post Coping with Holiday Loss: Navigating Grief as a Family appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

Bedtime Story

Katy Mark — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 10:53:24 +0000

I have many fond memories of my daughter growing up and one of the fondest is reading her a nightly bedtime story or two. Story time was our chance to bond without interruption. She would pick out a favorite book, hand it to me and then snuggle closely as I read to her. We sat on Marissa’s bed and she would listen intently. Sometimes she asked questions, sometimes she giggled and sometimes she would ask me to read the story over because she enjoyed it so much. It never took much convincing because I loved the stories and I loved her more. Nothing felt better than her tiny hand on my arm as I read and I loved seeing her reaction during the best part of a book. Her big blue eyes would always light up and her warm smile always let me know that she enjoyed story time as much as I did. It was an added bonus that I got a big “thank you hug” from her each night after story time was over.

It turns out story time had more benefits than warm memories for me and my daughter. Recent studies have shown that when you read to a child regularly, they grow up to be a better reader. Reading helps develop a child’s mind both from an intellectual and imaginative standpoint. Reading not only makes you feel good, it makes your child smarter and more interested in reading for a lifetime

Reading stories to my daughter also put me on a path to pursue a dream. Story time made me realize that one day I wanted to write books and tell stories of my own. If a story can bring a smile to a child’s face and grow their imagination then it is worth writing. I put it off for awhile, but a few years ago I finally did it. I began writing regularly and now besides working my regular job, I am a part time writer. I have been blessed enough to have had two children’s books published. Several of my stories have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul books and in various magazines. I also write this blog. I’m not telling you this to brag, I’m telling you what the power of reading to my daughter did for me. Reading is important for a child and just as important for a parent. I’m reminded of a quote from the writer of many children’s books Dr. Seuss “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child”.

If you love books and reading be sure to join me and many other Authors at the Eighth Annual Dayton Book Expo. The Expo is this Saturday April 29^th at Sinclair Community College. It runs from 11am to 4pm and features Ninety Authors and a Kid Zone which will allow you to meet me and other authors of children’s books. I will be a featured author in the Kid Zone from 1:30 to 2:30. I will read my books The Really Magic Marker and Mealtime Guests (a signed copy of each will be awarded to a lucky child). I will also discuss writing and creating children’s books to interested kids and parents.

www.daytonbookexpo.com www.davidwarrenauthor.com

The post Bedtime Story appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

The Scoop: July 17-July 19

Katy Mark — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 10:53:23 +0000

Friday, July 17

The Boonshoft Geek Fest

Re-discover your inner kid with all your kids! Go head to head with your family in costume contests, board games, classic games, and video games. So come muggles, come wizards, come all!

Mary, Help of Christians, Festival

This week, the Parish Festival stops in Fairborn! Enjoy the countless games, delicious food, and live entertainment, either for a good cause or just for fun with the family.

Saturday, July 18

Family Day: Newton in Space

Celebrate the nation’s galactic glory! July is a special month in interstellar history because of Apollo 11 and Apollo 15, two space shuttles which made it to the moon! Spend an out-of-this-world day with your family, that will be full of interactive games, simulations, and stories!

Princess Tea Party

Hold out your pinky, put your napkin on your lap, and wear your tiara proudly. Let your princess have a day off the kingdom with a tea party, where she will make a tiara, nosh on finger sandwiches, and play royal games.

Sunday, July 19

Christmas in July

Think some Christmas Cheer might help get you through the summer heat? Come on over to EnterTRAINment Junction for Christmas in July to cool off and enjoy all our great attractions. Be sure to make your way to the North Pole where you can get your mid-year check up with Santa himself

The post The Scoop: July 17-July 19 appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

The Scoop: July 24-26

Katy Mark — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 10:53:23 +0000

Friday, July 24

Food Truck Rally at The Greene

Jazz up your regular lunch scenery by eating at a food truck! There will be something for everyone, thanks to the 13 food trucks available.

Saturday, July 25

Preschool in the Park Reptiles

Become an explorer at the Lost Creek Reserve! Toddlers will hike a trail in search of slimy & slippery reptiles, all while learning about the park and singing.

Franklins Free Movie in the Park

Make the most of your summer by seeing an outdoor movie! Snuggle up in your favorite blankets with your family for a relaxing and entertaining free movie.

Sunday, July 26

Huber Heights RibFest

Bring a pack of wet wipes, because the first annual HH Ribfest promises to have finger-lickin’ ribs for all! The new event has a vide variety of meat options and tons of activities for kids of all ages.

Train Ride with Clifford at LM&M Railroad

Toot, toot! Join Clifford at the LM&M junction for games, story time, and crafts. Plus, everyone gets to enjoy the train ride and soak up the scenery.

The post The Scoop: July 24-26 appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

5 Things To do this Weekend in Dayton

Katy Mark — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Do you not know what to do this weekend? With kids going back to school and summer vacation winding down, you are probably running out of ideas for family fun. Don’t Worry! Dayton Parent has compiled a list of things to do this first weekend in August!

1. ‘CLUB SPLASH’ TEENS NIGHT- THE BEACH WATERPARK
Friday, August 5

Teenagers, are you already getting bored with your endless summer days? Are you and your friends constantly sitting around talking about what there is and isn’t to do around town? Well, this summer, come down to ‘Club Splash’ at The Beach Waterpark and have a blast with people your age! During the months of June and July, The Beach Waterpark is having a party every single Friday night for teens 13-18! ‘Club Splash’ is the perfect way to spend your summer nights for only $10 admission and $5 for parking! For more information, call (513)-398-SWIM or visit their website.

2. MATHALIVE! EXHIBIT- NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE

Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6

MathAlive! is designed to inspire, to spark the imagination, to reveal not only math at work, but the endless possibilities of math. Designed for families and students the exhibition brings to life the real math behind what kids love most — video games, sports, fashion, music, robotics, and more — and creates interactive and immersive experiences that bring to life the math at work in each, whether in design, application or use.

The museum is open from 9am to 5 pm seven days a week. This exhibit will be open until October 2nd.

Free admission and Free parking!!

3. DAYTON PARENT MAGAZINE’S POP-UP PLAYDATE- STAR CITY MUSIC STUDIOS

Saturday, August 6

Join Dayton Parent at Star City Music Studios for this months Pop- Up Playdate! This event is FREE but you do need to RSVP to [email protected] with number of children and ages. They will have free mini-lessons, instrument demos (including our Musikgarten Program for children birth to 5), and games. Families who register for lessons at the event will get their first lesson free. We hope to see you there!

The event is from 2-4pm

4. DROP IN ART SATURDAYS- THE MOSAIC INSTITUTE OF GREATER DAYTON

Saturday, August 6

Anyone can come in, choose from a variety of items to mosaic or paint and get creative! They have a huge selection of wood cutouts, ornaments, boxes, frames, house décor, flower pots, mirrors, platters, bird houses and more! ALL AGES WELCOME!

For more information visit their website

5. JEREMY LONG AND STEFAN CHINOV- ROSEWOOD GALLERY

Dayton artist Jeremy Long’s paintings display “spatial worlds”, and Kettering artist Stefan Chinov will exhibit dynamically constructed plaster sculptures.

The gallery is open from 9am-6pm

Admission is FREE

For more information, call (937) 296-0294 or visit their website.

For more weekend inspiration, be sure to check out our Online Calendar. Happy August, Dayton!

The post 5 Things To do this Weekend in Dayton appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.