Children go through numerous changes and events in their lives that help shape them into the person they will become. Losing someone they love, such as a grandparent, friend, or even a pet, can have a significant impact on their mental health and understanding of the world around them.
As parents, guardians, or friends, it’s crucial to know how to talk to children about death and help them cope with their feelings. In this blog post, we’ll offer some age-appropriate strategies to support children through grief.
1) Offer support during significant life changes:
Children grieve differently than adults, and they may not understand the complexity of their emotions. You may find that they express their sadness in some unhealthy ways. They may even ask for the deceased person back or worry about whether they, too, will pass away. Try comforting them by offering support during their grief and being a safe place to express their emotions without judgment.
2) Be honest:
When dealing with children and grief, honesty is always the best policy. Telling a child that their loved one “went away” or “went to sleep” may lead to confusion in the child’s mind and fear that they may go away or never wake up. Instead, use clear and honest language when talking about why the deceased person passed away to help your child understand what happened.
3) Remember that grief is a process:
Grieving is a process that everyone experiences differently, so it’s essential to be patient with them. Please encourage them to express their emotions healthy, such as writing down their feelings, drawing, or hugging their favorite stuffed animal. Children may need more time than adults to adjust to life without the deceased person, so don’t rush them in their grieving process.
4) Understand the power of rituals:
Rituals such as funerals and memorials help children understand the finality of death. They create opportunities for children to say goodbye, share their feelings with others, and let their emotions out healthily. Explain the rituals’ purpose to your child and let them know that participation is optional.
5) Help them remember their loved one:
Although your children’s loved ones may have passed away, their memory should be kept alive. Invite them to share stories about the person and create a memory box with photos, letters, or other cherished mementos. This allows the child to feel connected to their loved one and positively honor their memory.
Supporting children through grief is a challenging task but one with tremendous rewards. By being honest and patient with them, offering support during significant life changes, and helping them remember their loved ones, you can help them navigate the grieving process healthily and positively.
Remember, every child grieves in their own way and at their own pace, so it’s vital to continue offering support and understanding throughout the process.
Walker Cares 