Scenario: Widower With 1 Year Old and 3 Year Old Son

[dyaanleigh]

Hi, I have a scenario which I'm struggling with and was hoping you could help me out..

"“I am a widower. My wife died 4 months ago of breast cancer. I have a 1 year old daughter and a 3 year old son. I currently work Part-time. I am finding it difficult to cope.”

The questions are;
1) what support could an educator offer him?
2) what questions could you ask to gather more information?

Thank you

[Lorina]

To support the father some ideas include:

Priority Access Care - meaning if this family needs care at any time at all even though they may not be booked for the day they should be given priority for a spot.
Community Support Services - information on various groups, counselling, Centrelink where he can go for emotional and financial assistance.
Reassurance from the centre that his children will be well looked after and supported through this time in order to help the family through the grieving process and that the centre will assist him in any way they can.

Questions that can be asked include:

How are the children handling it
Children's routines (to follow up within the centre)
Family support he is receiving at home
Any problems or difficulties he is having with the children

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina