Do you have challenging time supporting a child through grief? Supporting a child through grief can be very difficult. All ages of children and teens grieve differently. Every type of loss can have an impact on a child. For some children losing a pet can be just as hard as losing a loved one. Try not to minimize the importance of any loss. Listening to and acknowledging your child’s grief is key for coping.

Grief can affect behaviors, how one acts in school, aggression, and even withdrawal. Let your child know that it is good to express their emotions. It is normal for a child to cry and then start to play or do other activities, this is them coping with the situation.  

Here are a few ways you can help your child through grief:

1. Listen to and acknowledge their grief. Be patient and understanding and let them know that it is okay to talk about their emotions and how they are feeling about the loss. Use real words with your child. It is hard for them to understand the phrase “passed away”. Always be honest and use real words.
2. Help build healthy coping skills. Depending on their age, it can be hard for them to understand how to express their feelings and emotions. Help them express and cope through drawing, looking at pictures, or telling stories. Let them know that it is okay to express their feelings. Provide affection to your child.
3. Let them know that their feelings are normal and valid. It is normal for them to feel guilty, angry, and anxious towards the person who died. These feelings and grief can come and go over time. If they are unable to cope with their grief, do not be afraid to reach out to a professional, doctor, or therapist to help.

• Encourage your child to ask questions. Let them be a part of the process without overwhelming the with too much information. Letting them know it is okay to ask questions shows them that they can be open about the situation. Encourage them to talk to a loved one, teacher, or counselor.
• Don’t ignore your own grief. It is important to show healthy ways to deal with grief instead of holding it inside. This will help them mirror your coping skills.
• Stick to a routine. This can help by comforting children. Keeping a normal routine shows balance and helps children with the anxiety of what is going on. This helps them know that life does keep going. Even with this routine, help them honor the person who died. Funerals, rituals, or any type of remembrance of the person who died can be difficult for younger children, but for some children and teens, it can help them cope with what has happened.

Know that every child is different and all you can do is be there for the child. Take their age into account for ways to addressing grief. Don’t forget to address your grief as well. Just because you are the parent doesn’t mean your feelings should be ignored. Show them that it is important to express feelings and emotions to cope. Be there for the child and try not to minimize the importance of the loss to them. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or loved one, trying your best to support the child is key to coping with grief.