Join the Dougy Center for the Fall Luncheon, November 2nd

Join The Dougy Center for a complimentary lunch while learning about our work with grieving children and families.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Governor Hotel
614 SW 11th Ave. in Portland

Doors open at 11:30 a.m., Lunch & Program noon to 1 p.m.

While there is no charge to attend, a donation request will be made during the event.

RSVP by Friday, October 21 to Heidi Papoff at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 503.542.4830.

If you are interested in hosting a table of 10, please contact Brennan Wood at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 503.542.4823.

Helping kids cope with nightmares

As parents know, nightmares aren’t just for Halloween. Most children—especially those who have suffered a traumatic event such as the death of someone close to them—will have a nightmare at one time or another.

Nightmares and dreams about the deceased are typical after a loss. These dreams may be comforting, disturbing, inspirational or frightening. Vivid dreams, visitations and other sleep-related phenomenon are common for grieving people of all ages. Many children and teens report remembering detailed, troubling dreams or humorous encounters with the deceased.

Nightmares might cause difficulties for children, not only because of their potentially terrifying emotional content, but also because the frequently disturb sleep patterns, resulting in increased fatigue and irritability.

How to help your child after a nightmare:
- Ask if they would like to have you sit with them, or hold them.
- Ask if they would like the light on or off.
- Ask if they would like to tell you about their nightmare.

Listen to your child talk about the nightmare. Do not judge or explain what you think it means (unless you are asked to), and resist the temptation to try to “make it better” by making it go away. Powerful information and healing can result from children and teens processing their dreams and nightmares. Reassure your child that nightmares and dreams about the deceased are normal, common reactions to grieving. If nightmares and other sleep disturbances persist and disrupt your child’s daily functioning, professional evaluation may be needed.

From “Helping Teens Cope with Death,” available at The Dougy Center Bookstore.

First Annual Dougy Center Fun Run presented by the Commercial Association of Realtors a success

Thank you to everyone who participated in The Dougy Center Fun Run. The first annual 5K event was held last August and participants ran, walked or strolled along the Willamette waterfront in Portland. The event ended with a barbecue and live music at the Eastbank Esplanade Festival Plaza.

Special thanks to the Commercial Association of Realtors for organizing the event. And thank you to all of the event sponsors, including:

Colliers International
NBS Real Estate Capital
NAI Norris, Beggs & Simpson
Howard S. Wright
Pacific Real Estate Partners
HFO
Urban Works
Widmer
Fit Right
Recreate Fitness
Riverplace Athletic Club
Zest Floral
Live 95.5 & Alpha Broadcasting

Centennial High School FBLA to host Halloween Carnival to benefit The Dougy Center

Members of the Centennial High School Future Business Leaders of America chapter will host the “Eagle Scream Fest” carnival from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, in the commons, 3505 S.E. 182nd Ave.

The night’s activities include old-fashioned carnival games, family activities, contests, competitions and a benefit raffle.

Carnival game tickets will be sold three for $1 or 20 for $5, while raffle tickets will be sold for $1 each or six for $5.

Proceeds from the event will be generously donated to The Dougy Center to support grief support programs for children and families.