In addition to the trauma of being widowed young, there are other unique issues facing such younger women. One issue is the daily challenge of single parenthood and raising children without a father. Another is often the added financial pressure because a major income source evaporates with the death of a husband. It has been very hard financially. We did not have a lot of insurance.
Parents can help or hinder.
Younger widows frequently find that their parents want to be helpful but sometimes their ways of helping are frustrating. Some parents become overprotective. Young widows often find themselves plunged into a relationship with parents that they thought they outgrew. In their eagerness to help and protect their daughters, some parents revert to treating them like children. Their actions can be perceived as smothering and unwelcome interference.