Grief can be heightened by anniversaries, special occasions and at times, something totally unexpected.

The event may be the time or day of your child’s death, the first day of school, the anniversary of your child’s diagnosis or death, other family member’s birthdays, religious days, or family holidays. 

What you regard as a special occasion will be unique to you and your family.

Birthdays and other events that are important to you as a family can trigger memories and increase your sense of loss and change. 

It can be helpful to talk about this with your family and friends and plan activities that suit you at this time. 

These may not be the usual or traditional ways you would have celebrated in the past.

You may find you cannot decide what you want to do. It's okay to build in flexibility by letting your family know that your plans may change. 

Some parents talk about wanting to be alone while others want to be with people that are comforting.