Guiding Your Child Through the Journey of Loss

By Hailey Hagan

Youth First

Coping with a loss can be challenging for anyone but helping children navigate the complex emotions that come with grief is particularly daunting. If you are a parent or caregiver, it is challenging to see the little ones you love in pain.

Here are some gentle ways to support your child during a time of grief:

1. Foster Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings openly. Encourage them to share memories and feelings and assure them it’s okay to feel a range of emotions, from sadness to confusion.

2. Share Stories and Memories: Celebrate the life of the person or pet they lost by sharing fond memories and stories. Reminiscing about happy times can bring comfort and help your child remember the positive impact their loved one had on their life.

3. Validate Their Feelings: Let your child know that their feelings are valid and normal. They need to understand that grief takes different forms, and everyone processes in their own way and on their own timetable.

4. Maintain Routine and Stability at Home: In times of loss, routine can provide a sense of stability and comfort for children. Stick to familiar schedules and activities to create a reassuring environment for your child.

5. Encourage Healthy Coping Skills: Assist your child in finding healthy ways to express their grief. This could include using art or play as a vehicle for expressing hard and painful emotions. Other healthy ways of coping might include spending time in nature and engaging in shared family activities.

6. Seek Professional Support if Needed: If your child is struggling to cope with the loss, consider seeking professional help. You can reach out to your school’s Youth First Mental Health Professional or your child’s family physician for additional support and resources.

Helping a child cope with loss is an ongoing journey. By providing love, understanding, and the necessary tools to express their emotions, you can help your child navigate the path to healing with resilience and strength.

Youth First is offering Camp Memories, a free bereavement program for children ages 6-18 who have experienced the death of a family member or loved one, on Saturday, November 22. Please contact Heather Miller (hmiller@youthfirstinc.org) for more information.

Hailey Hagan, MSW, LSW, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at Stockwell Elementary School in Vanderburgh County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Over 55,000 youth and families are served each year by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.