Hey Mom would a "Daddy Workshop" help? I remember when I was in high school a young dad lost his wife during childbirth and the ladies from church came together to help him care for this new baby and three girls. They even showed him how easy certain dishes his wife would make were really easy! I think my mom taught him tuna casserole. The men then helped him with the farming duties his wife used to help with (this could be yard work, "honey do" lists, etc.

I like setting him up with meals but what happens when this runs out? He needs to know some basic skills.

We tend to think of how to help the kids when I htink in this case Dad needs a helping hand.

This happened in our town last year. We didn't do anything officially through PTO but our PTO secretary set up meals for the family. She printed a blank monthly calendar and then spoke to PTO, teachers and parents about making meals for the family. She had people sign up for every other day so the family didn't end up with too many left overs. People brought full meals including desserts which is fun for the kids. Some people had a pizza delivered. She had it set up so there was not the same thing too many days in a row. Everyone delivered the meals so the dad didn't have to worry. He also had a copy of the calendar so he knew what was coming. The dad really appreciated it. I know how nice it is because she did it on a smaller scale for me when I had my baby last June. It was wonderful.

We have a person on our committee that takes care of these kinds of things. We usually send a basket of things for the kids and a gift certicate for a grocery store.
I would definitely see if you could help out the poor man. I remember my mom last year when my step dad passed away unexpectedly and she was a wreck. I can't imagine what it would be like with little children.
I would say get some volunteers to go to the house and help or maybe even just making a meal for the next week or two would take a load off him. Maybe someone to go and help clean just so he can get his life some what in order with his girls.

Good Luck

Cindy

While helping out financially can relieve some of his worries, it really sounds like he needs some kind and caring people to step in and help him learn all those things he is so worried about not being able to do for his daughters.

Perhaps you can get with the counselor and find some volunteers who would be willing to take some time to share their cooking, cleaning, organizing, and hairstyling talents with this dad. Look for parents who have children involved in the same activities as his daughters and offer carpooling too. Try to find not only mothers, but some dads who help around the house and would be willing to share their ideas. When you find some people who want to help, give him a call and offer the assistance. You could even have the volunteers show the girls how to do some things so they can help their dad out.

It's all so fresh for him right now that I'm sure he is just lost. The offer for help alone will probably be appreciated. Even if he turns down the offer make sure you give him your number and sincerely tell him that these parents are ready to help him anytime he needs it and to call you or the counselor at school if he changes his mind at anytime.

We've lost 4 parents in the last three years and it has just been heartwrenching to see the pain their families have gone through.

In the past when we have had a death the school staff and parents collected money for the family privately. No organization was involved in that. We are a small community and we are very close. It is an "everyone knows everyone" county. Funeral expenses are so high.

Perhaps after some time you could plant a tree in honor of this mom. I've also heard of some people setting up accounts at banks so people can privately donate to the family or use the account to raise college money for the students.

This is very sad. I cannot imagine losing someone that close to me especially during the holidays.

Today was our first day back after winter break and we found out that a 3rd grade parent passed away and was buried yesterday.

She has two daughters, one in 7th grade at the middle school and one, as I mentioned, in 3rd grade with my daughter.

The father brought the children to school today to get them back into a normal routine. He broke down in the office while I was in there saying he doesn't know how to cook, do the girls hair, he just doesn't know what he is going to do????

I was in tears, along with our school counselor. It was heart wrenching.

A lot of ideas are floating in my head as far as what to do for them, but I'd like to see if any of you have ever experienced this and if you have any ideas on how to help the girls and their father cope with this tradegy.

Thanks in advance for any advice.