Losing a close loved one is challenging, no matter how old you are. For children, whose emotional and mental development are still ongoing, the loss of a parent can be devastating. Here are some ways to guide them through grief and loss during this difficult time.
A Guide to Grief and Loss for Children
1. Encourage Communication
Children may have a lot of questions about their loss. It’s important to provide age-appropriate answers to your best ability. For example, a toddler won’t understand the concept of permanence, but a middle schooler would. Avoid euphemisms when discussing what happened, such as saying their parent “went to sleep.” This could generate confusion. Remember that you don’t have to answer every question your child has, but simply let them know you’re there to listen.
2. Provide Outlets for Emotions
Oftentimes, it’s difficult for especially young children to process grief and loss. While they may not be able to verbalize their feelings, you can help them work through them in other ways. Consider reading books about grieving with illustrations, creating a memory box, or drawing pictures together to remember their parent. You can also support them emotionally by giving extra hugs and one-on-one time.
3. Maintain a Routine
Death will disrupt your routine, and chances are you’re experiencing your own grief and loss too. However, when you’re ready, resuming your normal activities may help your child see that the structure they’ve come to know won’t be upended. This can help them feel safe and ultimately aid in the healing process by keeping them busy. Just be sure to alert their teachers or other caregivers so they understand that mood changes may occur.