One common way that parents process their grief is by doing different things in honor of their child. Family and friends may also join to memorialize the child as well. It is an expression of love, and expression of hope, and a positive movement towards healing.


Here are a few ideas:

Plant a tree in the name of your child:



A tree is something that will live for years, throughout a lifetime.
You can personalize it by making a marker stone for the tree as well.





Host a balloon ceremony in memory of your child.
You can invite family members and they can write their own personal messages to your child if they like. You can release them together and watch them soar!




Make stuffed animals or blankets from your child's clothing.
Or you can make a normal stuffed animal and embed special belongings
of your child's that you want to keep inside of the stuffed animal; some parents may even choose to store their child's ashes in one of these as well.




Keepsake Jewelry

You can purchase a locket to keep your child's picture in or you can invest in memorial/cremation jewelry. Some cremation jewelry is shaped like a locket and can hold a picture as well. Your child does not have to be cremated to use this jewelry. You can use a lock of hair, dirt from the grave site,dried flowers and anything else that you can fit into the small opening of the jewelry. Afterward you use a special cement and the items you placed will be permanently sealed and safe from moisture.




Keepsake Trunks and Keepsake Boxes

Buy a trunk to keep big items in. You may want to also buy a smaller box to hold on to photos and smaller items. Also by having a smaller keepsake box, you will be able to have items you like to refer to often nearby. For instance, there may be certain photos that you love to look at, you can sit the smaller box on your dresser or night stand.





Tattoos:
Some parents choose to memorialize their child by getting a tattoo. Some of the most popular types of memorials are the types with the name of the person you want to remember, and portrait tattoos. It is strongly advised that you take time to figure out what you really want as a memorial tattoo first. It is also advised that you shop around, ask for photo albums of the artists work: ESPECIALLY if it is a portrait tattoo. A tattoo is a permanent memorial and investment; you don't want just anyone doing it.



Acts of Kindness
Random acts of kindness is a quick and great way to help others. You can give to a charity in the name of your loved one, or purchase a gift for a stranger. Any random act of kindness is beautiful and appreciated.