Kay Jankowski, PhD, offers advice for helping children cope with grief and loss.
Grief, trauma and loss
- It is hard on a child and a caregiver when faced with the loss of a loved one or some other extremely stressful or traumatic experience.
- Children respond differently to loss, stress, or trauma.
- Common reactions include withdrawal, crying, and anger.
- A range of feelings is normal in these situations.
- Children and families can heal, grow, and become more resilient after trauma.
How can parents help?
- Be available to listen and show love and support—let children express their emotions.
- Focus on making children feel safe, loved, and good about themselves.
- Provide extra support and reassure them that they will be okay.
- Don't force children to talk if they're not ready.
- Try to understand the reasons behind acting out behaviors.
- Caregivers should practice self-care and show themselves kindness.
Resources
Websites
- Nurturing Children Through Grief, With Help from Elmo and His Cousin, Jesse
- Grief Support Resources for Kids (American Psychological Association)
- Grief Support Resource Library - (National Alliance for Children's Grief)
Brochures
- Supporting Children Through Grief and Loss (PDF) (UC Davis)
Videos
- In-Brief Resilience Series (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
- Grief (Sesame Workshop)
