Children's Grief Facts About Children's Grief Susanna G. Lund, M.S., A.T.R., NCC Explaining illness and death to a child can feel like a difficult task. In the study of grief and loss, children are identified as forgotten mourners . Adults instinctively want to protect children from the painful feelings related to grief, yet this means children are often deprived of the opportunity to learn coping skills for loss or to make meaning of the rituals used in our society connecting us with the natural process of grief. With education about the grief process, adults can feel more prepared to assist children through these events. All members are affected when an illness or death occurs in a family.
Children grieve regardless of their age or ability to express themselves.
Listed below are common grief responses and suggestions for adult support. Shock - This is a natural way of pushing away or deadening painful feelings. The child may not believe the death has really occurred or may display little or no emotion as a way to avoid painful feelings. Provide support and accept this behavior without forcing them to express feelings. Know that this is a natural step toward the healing process.