What type of tragedy does this advice address:
Other

This advice is most appropriate for parents with children in...
Preschool and Younger

Did your family ever deal with this type of tragedy?
Yes

Please describe the tragedy:
My husband was taken out of our home for a periodof 8 months due to family dispute with my parents. I had a 3 year old and a 2 year old. They went 4 months without seeing their father.

What were the feelings your child was experiencing?
Fear
Confusion
Sadness
Anger
Depression
Hate

How did you address those feelings and help your child deal with the tragedy?
At first I tried to hide the truth from them about why and where their father was. In time, this seemed not to work because there were several questions that I could not provide answers for. I realized that no matter how young they were the best solution was the truth delivered very carefuly. I had to skirt around some issues but altogether this was a better aproach. Along with their father being gone, they had to cope with a new baby brother on they way as well as Hoilidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Birthdays. Their father missed out on their brother being born....the best way I found to cope with through their depression, bouts of anger and fear was to suround them with family they trusted. Show them love through everything no matter how many times they called me something I wished they would have never heard. My 2 year old didn't remeber his dad to well when he finaly saw him, and had to rebuild a relationship. I think overall they came out ok without any psychological help. It's been two years and all is well.