Father’s Day: Honouring memories and managing a difficult day

Grieving on Father’s Day | English support in France

Holidays often trigger more intense emotions when one is grieving. Father’s Day is no exception. With Father’s day looming we at the BSN are very aware of how difficult it can be for those who have lost their father or that person who was their father figure. Equally it can be a very hard day for fathers who have lost a child. It doesn’t matter if the death is recent or years ago, it is keenly felt.

Complexity

Not everyone had an easy relationship with their dad — and Father’s Day can make that feel harder, not easier. Grief can be complicated. Perhaps your dad was not there for you. You never had the kind of relationship you longed for — but whilst he was alive, there was still hope that it might be possible. With his death that too was lost. Perhaps you have spent years putting distance between yourself and those memories, only to find Father’s Day brings them flooding back. Father’s Day can stir up so many different emotions.

How to cope

There are many things you can choose to do, or not, this Father’s Day. Maybe you’ll want to start a simple tradition to honour him – lighting a candle, cooking his favourite meal, doing a special hobby of his with your own children. Maybe you will decide to ignore the day completely. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself — it is normal to feel upset.

Cruse have put together some tips and suggestions and below you will find other links to articles that might be helpful.

If you want to support a grieving dad on Father’s Day but are unsure what to say, read the article: How to help parents who are grieving on Father’s Day

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