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What is child bereavement?

When a child is bereaved, it means they’ve lost someone or something close to them. Just like adults, the grief that comes with loss can feel overwhelming. But it’s important to note that, on the whole, children tend to grieve differently than adults.

A young girl sits on the floor with her arms crossed over her knees and her head resting on them, appearing sad or reflective.

What grief looks like in children

Unlike adults, who tend to stay in their grief until they’ve worked through it, kids often dip in and out of sadness. This can sometimes mislead parents into thinking that their child is fine or doesn’t care much. This fluctuation is a normal part of their grieving process and acknowledging it is key to providing the necessary support.

Preparing your child for loss

If your child is about to lose someone or something close to them, they might benefit from special support.

This is because, children are often most distressed when they know the loss is about to occur but don’t fully understand what to expect.

Two ways to support your bereaved child

Supporting your child through grief can help them come to terms with their loss. It can also mean they’ll be less likely to develop anxiety  or depression. Here are three simple ways you can support your child:

  • Encourage your child to be open about how they’re feeling.
  • Allow them to talk freely about the person who’s died or the thing they have lost.

A young boy in a yellow shirt gazes thoughtfully into the distance, lit softly against a dark background.

Specialist support for your bereaved child

Susan Hughes

Adults’, Children and Young People’s therapy

Accrington

Person-centred counsellor, who derives immense satisfaction from empowering people to overcome their challenges. Works with adults and adolescents across depression, anxiety, self-esteem and general well-being.