Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. It's important for adults to listen to a child and answer any questions or concerns. To express their feelings, children need an adult who makes them feel safe and secure. Childcare providers, teachers, and school counselors may also be able to help your child. The ways children express grief are often different from the way adults express it. Children aren't always able to use words to say what they feel. Instead, they express their feelings through behavior. Keep your child's age and emotional development in mind as you help your child through grief. Children adjust to loss and death in different ways as they grow and develop. Here are some ideas for helping a child during the grieving process. This is especially important if you lost someone or something important as a child. It may help you recognize and understand your child's feelings. Think about what helped (and didn't help) you deal with the loss. The things that helped you may also help your child. Children need to feel safe and secure with an adult to express their feelings about loss. Let your child know that all feelings are normal. Child care providers, teachers, and school counselors may also be able to help your child work through grief. Choose an activity that fits your style and your child's age and developmental level. Consider your child's personality and comfort level in talking about feelings. Here are some ideas: Current as of: June 16, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Jean S. Kutner MD, MSPH - Geriatric Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Grief: Helping Children With Grief
Overview
How to help a child during the grieving process
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: June 16, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Jean S. Kutner MD, MSPH - Geriatric Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineGrief: Helping Children With Grief