Introduction
While supporting bereaved children can be difficult for adults, there are some simple things you can do. Children can experience grief from a very young age. For example, even very early neonates may be affected by the death of a parent.
Table of Contents
Even though losing a close friend or member is among the saddest experiences children may have, there are many other reasons why children experience loss.
When a loved one, friend, or animal passes away, children might grieve for a variety of reasons.
· The breakup of their family and the divorce or separation of their parents · Switching schools or moving · losing a companion. · moving to a new country, state, or township· suffering from a disease or disability
· having a loved one remain in the hospital for a long time Children may experience different emotions after a loss. Depending on the circumstances, they may appear unhappy or not at all worried. They might try to hide their feelings in order to protect a caregiver who is in grieving. Children’s reactions to loss are also influenced by their age, stage of development, and personality. · Children’s differing responses to loss and sorrow. For example, children’s short attention spans can result in their crying in fits. They could then be happy or play the next minute.· Feel responsible for the loss (death, breakup of the family, etc.).
· display regressive habits, such as bedwetting, baby-like speech, or clinging behaviors, or behave younger than they actually are. · physical signs include nausea, headaches, or stomachaches. · expressing feelings by performing rather than talking about them. · Relieving grieving children: Let them know that it’s alright to be sad. Try to “sit by their side” with them as they mourn by engaging in introspective listening techniques, as opposed to telling them everything will be okay or pushing them to try to be happy. “You miss Grandpa so much that you don’t know if you can ever be happy again” is one such statement. Be prepared to talk to them about the same subjects over and over again. Children require time to understand information. Make careful to provide clear, concise explanations. Just what’s essential for their age in terms of information, unless they demand more. Keep as many routines and ‘normal’ aspects of your life as you can. Allow them to use art (painting or sketching), storytelling, or crafts (making a memory) as a way to express their grief.
