Grief can be especially difficult for children. Offering comfort and understanding can help them navigate through their emotions.
Bereaved Children
Supporting children coping with the loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming. Here are tips to guide and comfort them, plus resources available for members.
Bereavement support services are available only to registered members.
Not a member? Register here.
Already a member? Login here.
Listen without Judgment
Create a safe space where the child can share their thoughts and feelings. Let them express grief at their own pace.
Use Age-Appropriate Language
Talk about the loss in simple terms. Children need honest, gentle explanations about death and what it means for their life.
Reassure Them They Are Safe
Grief can make children feel anxious or scared. Remind them that they are loved, safe, and cared for. Stability is key to helping them feel secure in uncertain times.
Encourage Creative Expression
Children may find it easier to express their emotions through drawing, play, or writing. Encourage them to engage in these activities to help process their feelings in a non-verbal way.
Maintain Normal Routines
Consistency is comforting during times of grief. Try to keep regular meal times, bedtimes, and activities to provide a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of loss.
Be Patient with Their Grief
Children may not always express their grief immediately. They may show it in bursts or have moments of joy amid their sadness. Give them the time and space they need to process at their own pace.
Create Rituals of Remembrance
Help the child find ways to remember the person they lost, such as planting a tree, drawing a picture, or creating a memory box. These rituals offer comfort and help them feel connected to their loved one.
Encourage Them to Ask Questions
Grieving children may have many questions. Answer them honestly, but gently. If you don't have all the answers, it's okay to say so, and reassure them that their feelings and questions are valid.
Remember: Grief is unique for every child. Offer love, patience, and support, and consider accessing member programs for additional help.
Get in touch
Contact us today
For more information about the Carolina East Africa Foundation, contact us today on:
UK callers:
0800 0246 121International callers:
0191 656 3201Email:
info@ceaf.orgOr contact us via our social media links below.