MACCLESFIELD, UK 15th December 2022- Part of the Family, by Jan Garsden is an inspiring story of one Macclesfield family’s journey through the British care system. From the point of view of a foster carer, it tells of the funny, challenging, and often harrowing times of living life in an ever-changing household of temporary children.

Steering a course through the muddy waters of the care system has provided many obstacles but has overall proved to be a rewarding and heart-warming experience for the author. Children who find themselves removed from their birth families are thrust into a system which, although trying its best, is so often lacking in the love and good quality nurturing they deserve. As a society, we need to look at the way we deal with vulnerable children.

This book appeals to not only those who foster children, but anyone considering the fostering experience. It is also a heart rending story of children who should have been given a better start in life. It will make you laugh, cry, and angry in equal measure.

Jan said: “Although this is my first book, and I am just a pensioner with a pen, I am delighted that the many hours of pleasure, pain, and hilarity we experienced with our foster children will finally be published. I think that my story is relevant to anybody who has contact with children. It will make you laugh, cry, and angry in equal measure. I hope the reader enjoys it.”

Jan Garsden from Macclesfield, Cheshire.

Although this is Jan’s first book, her story is both powerful and moving. She was first a model and a beauty queen, and then an interior designer. She and her family decided to “give something back” and began fostering in 2007. The following 10 years were a rollercoaster of emotions, including anger, frustration, sadness, joy, elation, and humour, but the idea of helping children was at the core of their beliefs. Jan made notes throughout her fostering career in order to remember the individuals who touched her life.

Jan lives on a farm in the beautiful Cheshire countryside.

For more information please visit https://www.jangarsdenauthor.co.uk/ 

CHICAGO, US, 31st July 2023 – Recent grief statistics have revealed that 46% of people across the world have experienced the death of a pet. For many, the loss of a beloved animal can be their first experience of bereavement.

Grief experts at Medium Britta have shared their five top tips on helping children to overcome the loss of a pet.

1. Talk Openly About What Happened

By the age of 8 or 9, most children understand the finality of death. So having an honest and frank discussion with children is likely a sensible approach. Below this age, parents will have beliefs or an agreement about what they tell their children in the event of a bereavement

2. Involve the Child in What Happens Next with Their Pet

It is advised to involve children, if they are old enough, in discussions around whether they should be buried or cremated and where the ashes should be spread.

3. Discuss Creating Some sort of Memorial

Planting a tree in the garden or having a small plaque put onto a tree is a great way to remember a pet. Printing a favourite photo and framing it in the house is an option. Children may also like to create a scrapbook. Children may have their own ideas on how they would like to remember their pet.

4. Be Patient

The loss of a pet can be incredibly difficult, but for children in particular, especially if it’s their first experience of grief, it can be incredibly challenging. It can take weeks or even months for a child to feel ok about what has happened and parents are urged to be patient with them.

5. Continue to Talk Openly

It’s really important for children to know that even though the loss of a pet hurts, they will always have the memories made with that pet. Talking about happy memories with the pet can be helpful after the initial shock of the loss has subsided.

The timing of finding a new pet can be difficult, particularly when children are involved.

A spokesperson for mediumbritta.com said: “There’s never a perfect time here. It’s not a simple answer. Allow enough time to pass so the shock has subsided and so your child doesn’t feel the new pet is a replacement for the lost pet.

“Explain that you can never replace your old pet, but that you have so much love to give to pets that there may come a time to welcome a new one. Ultimately, involve your children in the decision both in terms of what type of pet and the timing.”