How to Use the Self Check-In Guide

At times, those who have experienced child loss may not know how to put into words what they are feeling. For the first time, a parent may be experiencing physical changes, emotions, or feelings that have never before been a part of their everyday life.

The Self Check-In is just what it says, a check-in.

It may not be needed every day. It may be needed every day. Or it may be used off and on as a way to help a mom or dad better understand how they are actually feeling, processing, and living through the loss of their child.

The loss of a child, for some parents, can create an unknown. A piece of you is no longer on this earth, and no one prepared you for how to walk through life after your child dies.

Many people may tell you what you should do or how you should be grieving. Their intentions may be good, but the reality is that often, you as the parent may not even know how to explain how you are actually doing. So much pressure can be placed on a grieving parent, even unintentionally, by others.

Our desire for the Self Check-In portion of this workbook is that it will help give words to what you may be unable to explain. Each portion is meant to provide support, guidance, and, at times, even a sense of relief.

Whether you use this section once or often, there is no right or wrong way to walk through these pages. You may complete each section or only the ones you have the capacity for that day. You may go through every section but not yet feel safe enough to answer honestly. Or you may be ready to allow your body, mind, and heart to sit quietly and reflect on each one.

There truly is no right or wrong way.

If you find yourself in the Self Check-In portion of this workbook, we hope you can find comfort in knowing that you have a place to pause, reflect, and find support as you walk through a time you never imagined facing as a parent.