For Parents
TO PARENTS
You are here as a concerned, perhaps heartbroken parent. You may be wondering how to help your child. There are some basic principles to guide you in helping your child.
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Tell the child what happened in a clear, simple, honest manner. Information that you give should be appropriate for your child's mental and emotional age.
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Use the words "dead" and "died". Do not use the term "went to sleep" to describe a death. This may cause fear of sleeping.
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Answer questions simply. Make sure you understand what your child wants to know.
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Give your child choices (viewing the body, attending the funeral or memorial service, etc.)
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Tell your child what arrangements are in place to take care of him or her if something happens to you.
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It is okay to show your grief. If you are overcome with grief, have someone take care of your child until you can communicate calmly with your child.
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Maintain routines as much as possible. The familiar helps children feel safe and secure.
When you are ready to read more, go to "Children's Grief" .
New Resource!! www.singledadstown.com
Most children grow up to live normal, healthy lives after the death of a parent.
Adolescents appear to have the most difficulty with the death of a parent.
Academic challenges are seen for up to two years after a significant death loss.
J. Wm. Worden, 1996. Children & Grief . NY: Guilford Press
Peer Support Groups can be helpful to grieving children.
The loss of a loved one is a universal human experience. How thoughts and feelings about the loss are expressed vary by culture. We encourage you to adapt information in this site to what fits for your beliefs and customs.