When a child experiences the loss of a loved one, it can be difficult for parents and caregivers to know how to offer support. Children often don’t have the words to express their emotions, which can make grief feel even more isolating. However, with the right guidance, adults can help children process their feelings and find ways to heal.
Here are some tips for supporting grieving children during this challenging time.
1. Encourage Open Communication
It’s essential to create a safe space where children feel comfortable talking about their grief. Some children may want to share their feelings immediately, while others might need more time. Let them know it’s okay to ask questions and express sadness, anger, or confusion.
- Tip: Use age-appropriate language and encourage children to ask questions, even if the answers are difficult.
2. Be Honest, But Gentle
Children can often sense when something is wrong, and giving them simple, honest explanations about what happened can help prevent confusion. Avoid euphemisms like "passed away" or "gone to sleep," as they can be misunderstood. Instead, use clear language that explains death as a natural part of life.
- Tip: "Sometimes, people’s bodies stop working, and that means they die. We can’t see them anymore, but they’ll always be in our hearts."
3. Keep Routines as Normal as Possible
During times of loss, maintaining familiar routines—like meals, bedtime, and school—can provide children with a sense of stability. Consistency offers comfort when everything else feels uncertain.
- Tip: Encourage your child to continue activities they enjoy, like reading, playing with friends, or spending time outdoors.
4. Be Ready for a Range of Emotions
Grief is not linear, and children may experience a wide range of emotions at different times. They may feel sadness one moment and anger the next. It’s important to be patient and understanding, recognizing that this is part of the healing process.
- Tip: Validate your child’s emotions by saying things like, "I know you miss Grandma. It’s okay to feel sad."
5. Create a Memory Ritual
Help children honor their loved one by creating a memory ritual that they can revisit when they feel sad or miss them. This could be lighting a candle, looking at pictures, or writing letters to the person they’ve lost.
- Tip: Let your child lead the ritual and make it a comforting, positive experience.
6. Seek Professional Support if Needed
Sometimes, children need additional support to navigate their grief. If your child seems overwhelmed or unable to cope, it might be helpful to consult a counselor or grief specialist.
- Tip: Look for child-centered grief resources or support groups where your child can connect with others who are experiencing similar emotions.
Final Thoughts
Supporting a grieving child requires patience, love, and understanding. It’s normal for children to feel confused or overwhelmed, but by being open, honest, and supportive, you can help them navigate this challenging time. If you’re looking for more resources, such as books or other articles on grief, check out our other posts.
At Jurni, we're working to bring these themes of grief, healing, and hope to life through an animated short film inspired by our story. If you’d like to support this project, please visit our Kickstarter campaign or learn more on the Jurni website. Together, we can create something meaningful for families navigating their own journeys.