Talking About Loss With Children
Growing up is an ongoing process and grief in part of that process.
Children do not grieve the same as adults. Children can go back and forth in the grieving process. Fine one minute, not so good the next. Children not only have different needs during a loss but also more needs. The experience of loss affects each child differently.
Don’t be afraid to talk about death or loss.
Share some of your own feelings
Have them talk about feelings they have regarding the death
Try and understand how your child may feel.
Grieving process can include:
• confusion
• Feeling Numb emotionally
• changes in appetite
• anger, irritability
• fear and anxiety
• denial
• difficulty sleeping
• regressive behaviors
• stomachaches/ headaches
Some of the ways they show grief may be:
stomach aches or headaches
bad dreams
eating problems
being destructive
lack of concentrate
problems dealing with school work
being mean to others
anger towards friends, family
temper tantrums
being unhappy
crying without obvious reason
avoiding school
stealing.
Remember to provide:
** A safe environment where your child feels able to express feelings
** Don’t forget that children need to know what is happening – Explain things
** Give them time to talk, ask questions and share concerns
** If a child feels unable to talk about their feelings, try and make a way for them to feel comfortable in doing so.
** Share your own grief with the child. Don’t be afraid to share how you’re feeling. This will show them their is nothing wrong with the way they are feeling and that it is okay to talk about what is bothering them.
Always remember to seek council for any situation that seems out of control and that you feel you may not be able to handle properly. There is nothing wrong with getting some professional help.
Further Reading on Loss and Grief Here
Mary Beth is the Owner of The Review Cottage. A Freelance Photographer and the mother to 3.
Twitter: aliciaann89
February 4, 2013 at 2:12 pm #
Wow what a great article that really hits home. There have been a seriously high number of deaths in my small town recently, most of the people being in their teens and 20′s. So many grieving little brothers and sisters.
Alicia H. recently posted..In love with Palmolive Fresh Infusions!
My cousin recently passed away and he left behind a 3 year old daughter it was so hard trying to help her. NO matter what anyone said or done she just didn’t understand. It broke my heart she is doing a bit better now. I wish I would have seen this post so I knew how to help her better
Twitter: snl79ohio
January 24, 2013 at 11:57 am #
One of the few reasons I’m glad I can’t have kids. It’s hard enough to give my nieces and nephews bad news. I can’t express enough how much I appreciate the difficulty that parents have to face.
Shauna Lynn recently posted..Maggie Bag and Sibu Omega 7 Chocolates Giveaway!
Twitter: ruthhill74
January 24, 2013 at 2:03 am #
Hey, this is great. It goes along with a post I did on my blog last night reviewing a book where a family had to deal with grief over a child’s death.
Ruth Hill recently posted.."Kaleidoscope Summer" by Rita Garcia Book Review
great post with some really good tips. It is hard to know how to tell them and explain to them especially when they are younger.
Twitter: BodhiMews
January 19, 2013 at 6:19 pm #
When my mom died my son was in high school and it hit him really hard. She was a 2nd mom to him instead of “grandma”. He got into so much trouble after she passed and still to this day (it’s been 12 years) I don’t think he’s even come close to terms with it….I know I still have problems with it.