This guide provides simple reminders to help you walk with your child through the loss of a parent of sibling. Grief in children looks different than in adults – short bursts of emotion, returning quickly to play or daily activities. Your patience, empathy, and presence are what matter most.
Key Reminders:
- Children grieve in short doses – crying one moment, playing the next.
- Physical closeness helps: sitting near you, talking at night, or even sleeping with you for a while.
- Young children (under 7) may not understand that death is permanent.
- Empathy matters: say things like “I can see that you’re angry… me too”.
- Normalize feelings – remind them it’s normal to feel sad, angry, or afraid.
- Children often grieve through play: role-playing doctors, rescuers, or caretakers.
- Expect anxiety – kids may cling to routines and structure for safety.
- Watch for physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches.
- Stages of grief include denial, anger, sadness, acceptance, and sometimes regression (baby talk, clinginess).
- Kids often ask what: What happened? What does this mean for me? Who will take care of me? Is what I’m feeling okay?
- Avoid processing your adult grief with your child – seek other outlets.
- Protect them from too much media/news exposure.
- Help them remember when ready: stories, photo albums, or a collage of memories.
Every child’s grief journey is unique. By offering patience, honesty, and consistent structure, you help them move toward healing while keeping the memory of their loved one alive in healthy ways.