Helping a child cope with the grieving process

The feelings of sadness can be difficult for a child to comprehend when a young child loses someone close to them.

For children their first experience of death can be especially traumatic. Here are some suggestions for helping your child cope with grief.

Be a good listener

Your child may not be ready to talk about grief immediately and may not say anything, this is normal.

Children cope with grieving at their own rate and in their own manner; however, they all must discuss the loss in time. Make yourself available to listen to them.

Although you yourself may be having difficulty with the emotions involved, it is important for your child to be able to express their emotions as well.

Simply and honestly respond and encourage your child to express their feelings, while going through this hard time.

Your child could use your help

The process of grieving is something they have never experienced before. Allow your child's grief to follow its own natural course without interference.

Give your child suggestions of other activities that can help with the process of grief.

If they're little, a child may express their feelings through colouring with markers or crayons. It is not necessary to say anything. Therapy sessions are not required. This is the most honest way of coping with grieving for a youngster.

Music and the written or spoken word may also help deal with grief in older children. You can give suggestions to your child for all of these methods. Make sure that you don't impose any grief coping mechanism upon your child. Everyone needs his or her own way.

Your child's grieving process is normal

It might be tempting to push your child into coping with their grief, but it is best to let it happen naturally.

Children are usually unsure about death and funerals and other rituals may make them uncomfortable. Children should not be forced to attend. Your youngster must cope with grieving in a manner fitting their emotions.

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Helping a child cope with the grieving process

Be a good listener

Your child could use your help

Your child's grieving process is normal

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