Child & Youth Grief
For many children and young people the death of a parent, caregiver, sibling or grandparent is an experience they are faced with early in life. Sometimes people think a child or young person who is bereaved at a young age will not be greatly affected, as they are too young to understand the full implications of death. This is untrue and unhelpful. Even babies are able to experience loss. A baby cannot cognitively process the implications of the bereavement but that does not mean that they do not feel the loss.
Children and young people need to be given the opportunity to grieve as any adult would. Trying to ignore or avert the child’s grief is not protective and can be damaging. Children and young people regardless of their age need to be encouraged to talk about how they are feeling and supported to understand their emotions.
Children will experience many different losses as they grow up. A friend moves away. A cherished toy goes missing. A pet dies. Moving to the next grade means leaving a favourite teacher. A relationship ends and divorce changes the family. A favourite uncle is sent to prison. A grandparent, neighbour or family friend dies.
Children grieve differently than adults. In fact, you may not recognize that your child is grieving. You may not realize the degree to which a loss or the “sad parts” of children’s books and movies or a news report about a tragic event affects them.
Understanding how children grieve and approaching these important life moments in healthy ways will help your child with the losses that are a part of life.
Read more on “What to do when someone dies”. Or book today with one of our Grief Specialists who know how to treat grief. Don’t settle for a regular any counsellor, work with someone who understands grief and loss. Email for an appointment today.
