The death of a loved one can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re also caring for tamariki (children) and mātātahi (young people). Kenzie’s Gift has created “Parenting with Grief,” a comprehensive resource designed to help you balance your own grief with the responsibilities of supporting your child. From coping strategies and family wellbeing tips to professional guidance on when and where to seek extra help, this guide empowers family and whānau through every stage of grief and bereavement.

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Why This Resource Matters

Real-World Parenting Advice

‍Balancing parenting with intense grief can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Our guide addresses the challenges that arise when you must meet a child’s emotional needs while processing your own loss.

Age-Appropriate Communication

‍Whether you’re talking to a toddler or a teenager, the guide offers suggestions for explaining death in honest, clear language. It also explores how children’s understanding of death evolves as they grow older.

Holistic Wellbeing Framework

‍“Parenting with Grief” introduces the Te Whare Tapa Whā model, a Māori holistic view of health that underscores the importance of taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental wellbeing), taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), and taha whānau (family wellbeing). This perspective empowers families to nurture every dimension of health during challenging times.

Practical Tips for Day-to-Day Life

‍From setting routines to maintaining discipline, the guide provides actionable strategies that bring normalcy to a household in turmoil. You’ll discover ways to foster comfort, safety, and a sense of stability—despite life-altering changes.

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Key Topics Covered

Talking to Your Child About Death

Learn how to approach the hardest conversations in a way that’s truthful yet reassuring. The guide explains why using direct language (like “death” and “dying”) can be less confusing for children than euphemisms and offers suggestions for gauging how much information to provide.

Early Days: Self-Care and Survival

In the immediate aftermath of a death, daily tasks can feel impossible. This section highlights simple strategies—like asking for practical help from family, whānau or neighbours—to make sure you can still meet your child’s needs while also caring for your own mental health.

Routine and Attachment

Children need consistency to feel safe. Discover how to preserve or gently adapt routines around meals, bedtimes, and school, ensuring tamariki feel grounded during an unpredictable time.

Long-Term Strategies for Grief

Grief can resurface in new ways over months and years. Find guidance on managing your emotions, seeking professional support, and maintaining meaningful connections with extended whānau as life moves forward.

Activities for Connection

Shared memories, rituals, or creative projects can help children integrate their loved one’s presence into everyday life. Suggestions include creating memory boxes, planting a garden, and establishing simple family traditions that honour the person who has died.

When to Seek Professional Help

Not every family will need therapy, but it’s comforting to know where to turn if worries escalate. This guide spells out signs that your child may benefit from extra support—like persistent changes in behaviour or extreme withdrawal—and recommends reputable services across New Zealand.

How “Parenting with Grief” Supports Your Whānau

Reduces Overwhelm

Instead of feeling lost, you’ll have a clear roadmap and proven tools to guide conversations and manage daily responsibilities.

Strengthens Bonds

By encouraging open dialogue, the guide helps you maintain healthy attachment with your children, letting them know you’re available and receptive, even in your own sadness.

Builds Resilience

Practical tips for emotional expression, routine setting, and nurturing family relationships empower children to cope with grief constructively.

Honours Cultural Perspectives

Recognising the power of spiritual connection and community support, “Parenting with Grief” draws on te whare tapa whā to encourage balanced wellbeing.

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Download or Order “Parenting with Grief”

Are you ready for guidance tailored to families grieving the death of a loved one? Order or download “Parenting with Grief” below from Kenzie’s Gift and start creating a supportive, resilient environment for your whānau.

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How to Get Your Copy

1. Choose a digital or physical version below, depending on your preference.
   
2. Reach Out to our team at hello@kenziesgift.com if you have any questions or need additional support.
   

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Additional Support from Kenzie’s Gift

Beyond “Parenting with Grief,” Kenzie’s Gift offers free or low-cost counselling, therapy sessions, and a variety of bereavement resources. Whether you need professional advice on coping with a child’s intense emotions or want to join a community of parents who’ve faced similar, we’re here to help you navigate every aspect of grief.

Don’t face this alone. Equip your family with the compassion, honesty, and professional insights that “Parenting with Grief” offers. Download or order your copy today and begin building a supportive framework for your children—and yourself—through every step of the grieving process.