Helping Children Deal With Grief (Article and Guide)
The way children respond to death is complex and varies based on their age, understanding, and relationship with the person who died. Younger children may struggle to comprehend the permanence of death, often expressing confusion or asking repetitive questions as they attempt to make sense of the situation. They might exhibit regressive behaviours, such as bedwetting or clinging to caregivers, seeking reassurance and a sense of security. Older children may grapple with a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, or guilt, as they navigate the complexities of loss. Some children may withdraw, while others may act out. Providing a supportive and open environment for children to express their feelings, offering age-appropriate explanations about death, and ensuring they have access to resources like counselling can significantly aid them in processing grief and adjusting to the new reality. Child Mind Institute's article, Helping Children Deal with Grief, and in depth guide, Helping Children Cope with Grief, offer guidance on how parents, caregivers, and educators can talk with children and youth about a variety of losses (death of a pet, family member, and traumatic death such as suicide or overdose), what to expect with kids at different developmental stages, and how to help them cope.
Most kids know something about death. They’ve seen it on TV shows. But it’s very different when it happens to someone close to them. Parents can’t take kids’ pain away, but they can help them cope in healthy ways.
Helping Children Deal With Grief
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