For Kids Who are Grieving
When someone you love dies, you might feel as though you are the only person in the world feeling the way you do. The truth is that you’re not alone. Everyday, there are other kids who lose a brother or sister, a mom or a dad, a grandma or a grandpa…someone that they love. And even though no one’s feelings are exactly the same, you are all grieving.
“Grieving” is when you miss the person who has passed away. It’s that empty feeling you get when you remember that they’re gone. You might feel angry or sad or confused. You might feel like crying or sleeping, playing or going to school—and you might not. You might get stomachaches or headaches. You might want to be with your friends or spend some time alone. Whatever you are feeling, it’s okay to feel that way.
The grownups in your family might be grieving too. That might make you scared you will hurt their feelings if you talk about how you feel. The truth is that most grownups would be more sad if you didn’t share your feelings with them, so give it a try. You can also talk a teacher, minister, or counselor.
Sometimes, it even helps to talk to a friend. If you don’t feel like sharing your feelings, that’s okay too. Maybe you could write in a journal or draw pictures about how you feel.Sometimes, other people might forget that kids grieve.
It’s okay to politely remind them, “Someone I love died”.Sometimes, people might say things to make you feel better but it hurts your feelings instead. Or, sometimes, people won’t say anything at all because they think talking about it will upset you. It’s okay for you to say, “It hurt my feelings…” and tell them why.
And remember, it’s okay to feel angry or sad or whatever you are feeling–you can’t control what feelings you have–BUT you can control what you do with those feelings. Make positive choices to let those feelings out and take good care of yourself…the way the person you love who died would want you to.
Resources
A collection of letters, poems and pictures from grieving siblings to you.
An unexpected interview in Central Park with a college student from Austin TX led to a Tik Tok post about sibling loss that went viral with more than 5.4 million views. With permission to share, here’s the video, and Jenna’s follow-up essay, about how losing her brother Jake made her feel like she was stuck at 15 years old forever, the age she was when he died. Many bereaved siblings may be able to relate to this type of deeply-felt loss and its after affects.
Download for free and read the newest children’s book written by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore. Illustrations by Mark A. Hicks.
This story tells the tale of Carter and his Chameleon Family and how they process the colors of their loss and love in the unexpected death of their family member. This interactive story is complete with talking points to help you and your child begin to discuss the colors of your own grieving.
Descarga gratis y lee el nuevo libro infantil escrito por la Dra. Joanne Cacciatore. Ilustrado por Mark A. Hicks.
Este libro cuenta la historia de Carter y su familia de camaleones y cómo trabajan los colores de dolor y amor cuando un miembro de su familia muere repentinamente. Es una historia interactiva completa con preguntas que pueden ayudarte a ti y tu niño a platicar sobre los colores de su duelo propio.
“What Color Is Death, Daddy?” is an interactive book by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore published in 2000. For young children, this beautiful, true and sad story about family focuses on lessons about death, grieving, remembering, and healing. The book includes a place for children to color, draw, and write about their own feelings. Love is stronger than death is the key message.
This brochure provides important information on how to help grieving children in need of compassionate support after a significant loss such as the loss of a parent, sibling, grandparent or close friend.
This informational brochure is intended for parents who have lost a child.
This informative article by Rea L. Ginsberg provides insight into the traumatic loss suffered when a child loses a parent. “Only in childhood can death deprive an individual of so much opportunity to love and be loved and face him with so difficult a task of adaptation…. The death of a parent engenders a longing of incomparable amount, intensity, and longevity.” Ginsberg’s article offers helpful ways for the primary caregiver to best support the child after the devastating loss of a parent.
By Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, published in 2000, is an interactive book for grieving children of all ages to encourage the exploration and expression of deep feelings and emotions through journaling and art. The book is a journey and may be used throughout the grief process.
Here are some additional resources recommended by Miss Foundation:
- Since My Brother Died by Marisol Munoz-Kiehne . Ages 5-12. Includes both English and Spanish translations of a caregivers section, teachers section, and a story for children. In this book, the child talks about how things are different since his brother died. In the end, the child realizes his brother is still alive in his heart.
- When Dinosaurs Die, A Guide to Understanding Death by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown. Straightforward and compassionate, When Dinosaurs Die explains death, dying, and coping with grief and loss in simple and accessible language for young kids and families.
- The Grief Bubble by Kerry DeBay. A special workbook for children ages 6 and older who have experienced the death of someone special. The interactive format invites them to find expression for their thoughts and feelings, encouraging the exploration of their grief. A useful tool for parents, counselors, educators and other caring adults supporting children in grief.
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The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr. Through the lens of a pet fish who has lost his companion, Todd Parr tells a moving and wholly accessible story about saying goodbye. Touching upon the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it’s okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them. An invaluable resource for life’s toughest moments.
- Edna by Susan Paradis. This book can be of help to children who suffer from a variety of difficulties – grief, loss, anxiety, bullying, shyness, recent immigration, or other trauma. It can also be beneficial for adults who are coping with adversity. In short, this is a book about hope, healing and resilience.
For the Grownups who love them…
Someone you loved has died. Now imagine that everyone around you is trying to shelter you from having any involvement with funeral arrangements or the cause of the death. Would you be angry? Would you be confused?
Though this is no doubt a difficult time for you and your family, please try to remember to include your kids as much as possible. Let them help with the funeral arrangements, talk to them about your beliefs, help them to understand the cause behind the death.
Very young children (2 and younger) may not understand anything more than the fact that their routine has been changed or that mom and dad are upset. Try to comfort them as best you can with continuity and reassurance. Talk to them about their loved one who has died.
Preschoolers understand a lot more than they are able to express. This may result in their acting out by “fit throwing” or having angry outbursts. Let them be creative in expressing their grief with drawings or play doh. Talk to them about their loved one who has died.
Adolescents will have differing reactions. Some will become withdrawn as they try to keep their feelings from upsetting you. Some will become anxious as they wonder about their own death. They may experience more somatic feelings such as headaches or stomachaches. Encourage them to keep a journal or express themselves in other ways. Talk to them about their loved one who has died.
Teenagers will most likely become distracted or withdrawn. They may feel they need to fill the role of “caregiver” to help lessen your burden. They also may question their existence. They may turn to friends for support. Talk to them about their loved one who has died.
Talking to them about their loved one who has died…are you seeing a theme here? Many kids don’t know it’s okay to bring up the subject until they get the cue from the adults in their lives. Your loss is undoubtedly one of the most difficult things you have gone through. You need to take care of yourself first and foremost or it will be impossible to help your child. If you are struggling with your own feelings, it might be a good idea to ask another adult you trust to be the support your child needs. If anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms of severe depression or extreme variations of the above mentioned feelings, seek professional help.
References
Tamm, M. & Granqvist, A. (1995) The meaning of death for children and adolescents: A phenomenographic study of drawings. Death Studies. 19, 203-222.
Holliday, J. (2002, August) A review of sibling bereavement: Impacts and Interventions. Retrieved October 12, 2004, from Barnardos.
Oikonen, J. & Brownlee, K. (2002) Family therapy following perinatal bereavement. Family Therapy. 29(3), 125-140.
COUNSELING AND PEER SUPPORT
Provider, volunteer and support group network
Our Compassionate Bereavement Care® Providers are located in cities throughout the world. They receive specialized training in traumatic grief and compassionate care. You may find our provider network here. Also, learn more about our wonderful volunteers, and connect with our in-person and virtual support groups.
