Helping Your Children to Cope with Bereavement

How to break the news of the death of a family member?

• In a safe and familiar environment, while keeping your children company, they may be informed by someone with whom they are familiar

What are the possible grief responses of children?

• Emotional aspect: grief, fear, anxiety, worry, anger, etc.
• Physiological aspect: change in appetite or sleep pattern, having nightmares etc.
• Cognitive aspect: difficult to concentrate, denial, confusion etc.
• Behavioural aspect: crying, silence, social withdrawal, lack of motivation, etc.

How parents can help your children deal with grief?

• Parents should deal with their own emotions first, remain calm, and be patient
• Set aside time to be with your children
• Listen attentively to your children's thoughts and feelings
• Accept your children's feelings without criticism
• Respond to your children with empathy
• Try to answer your children's questions
• Encourage your children to express their emotions in appropriate ways
• Avoid asking your children to suppress their emotions (e.g., "Don't cry!")
• Seek help if your children's grief responses significantly affect their daily lives

Department of Health / Student Health Service <Parenting Tips Series>

October 2022