Dear Dougy

Jana and Joan Schweizer Hoff talk about navigating Father’s Day while grieving. Joan, a long-time staff member at The Dougy Center, shares both personal and professional experiences in constructing new ways to approach the holiday. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a father, or parenting a child who is,  some of these suggestions may be helpful: Know that for many, the lead up is the worst part. If you are supporting a grieving child, talk with them ahead of time about what they would like to do or not do. Let children know that it’s okay to still want to celebrate and it’s okay to not want to celebrate. Don’t force a child to pick another adult to honor, unless that’s something they want to do. If you are a grieving parent, consider whether and how you want to engage with the holiday - perhaps you recreate a tradition you shared with your child or do something new for yourself. Come up with a plan - even if that plan is to do nothing. If you do want to do something, consider doing something that