Childhood Grief and Loss: Helping a child | Epsychiatry Australia

The loss of a loved one or something of significance to a child can be devastating for them. Anyone in childhood may experience grief and loss. It may follow a death, breakup in the family, moving school, learning of a family member’s sickness or changing class. In this article, learn how a child expresses grief. Accordingly, how we should talk to a child about grief and loss and etc…

Children react to and express grief and loss differently. This depends on their stage of development, age, connection with what they have lost, temperament, and past experiences. However, you can support them and help reduce their grief and distress and improve their coping using psychological strategies. However, Our telehealth psychiatrist closely with children, parents and if able teachers to help childhood grief and loss.

Children experience a wide range of emotions to loss, these include:

• Disbelief
• Frustration
• Shock
• Anger
• Longing
• Guilt
• Fear
• Numbness

Some children may be overwhelmed by strong feelings. Some might become introverts, withdrawing to themselves. On the other hand, Others might express their feelings by exhibiting challenging behaviours, throwing tantrums.

Their thinking : Children might find it difficult to concentrate, or make decisions. Hence, a child might see nightmares, become unmotivated, or show poor performance in school.

Psychological wellness : Children may be inquisitive about death, and ask a lot of questions in that regard. So, they may want to know why such a thing happened, and where the affected person is at the moment.

Emotional imbalance : Grief is not static. Likewise with childhood grief and loss. However, children may be grieving one moment, and then playing the next. They may feel responsible for their parents or express anxiety about them.

Behaviour : Their behaviour might be demanding or challenging as they try to get reassurance or care from you. Thus, they may express regressive behaviour, like wetting the bed.

Friendships : Children may withdraw from friends or family. They may also become more clingy or dependent. Some will attempt to assume the role of an adult or an older sibling who has passed on.

Physical Health : Sickness may become more frequent. As a result of childhood grief and loss, children may experience stomachaches, hyperactivity, or tiredness. Sometimes, their sleeping and appetite may also change.

• Support and comfort anyone who is experiencing childhood grief and loss or a child express grief.
• Always reassure them of your love and the fact that you will be there for them.
• Let them know that what happened is not their fault in any way.
• Maintain usual routines so that they can feel secure and grounded.
• Talk with them and encourage them to ask questions.
• Take care of answering their questions. Ensure that the answers that you give are appropriate for their age and development.
• Inform the child’s school of what has happened. Therefore, they may be able to offer additional support.
• Assist them to find ways in which they can express their feelings, such as through writing, play, music, or drawing.
• Find time to do fun things together; sport, movies, playing with a pet.
• Arrange counselling or a telepsychology session if they are not coping and would benefit from additional support.

Take a moment to think about how you will broach the topic with your child. It is not easy breaking news to them, however, they will be feel supported knowing that you were there and supported them throughout the process.

Hence, here are some tips for childhood grief and loss:

• Be as open and as honest as possible about what has happened
• Try to make it as simple as you can. Use the language that is appropriate for their age – language that they can easily understand
• Pay attention to them – you may not necessarily have all the answers at the moment.
• Answer the questions calmly and consistently
• Let them take their time to process what has happened.
• Use toys, play, or storybooks to explain what has happened to them(anyone with childhood grief and loss).
• You can seek assistance from a trusted adult, for example, a GP, psychologist, or child psychologist. You can also arrange for a telepsychology session with a mental health clinician if you live in a regional area with limited access.