Supporting Children in Response to Grief
Grief expression can be vastly different from person to person . Children often express grief differently depending on their developmental age . Regardless of the child ’ s age , children need simple facts and truth . See below for more information :
Ages two - four years old :
› Don ’ t fully understand death permanence - believe it ’ s reversible
› Express themselves through behavior and play
› Common reactions : general anxiety , crying , irregular sleep , clinginess , irritability , repetitive questions , behavior regression
Ways to Help
› Consistent routine - establish safety and predictability
› Provide short , honest information - use “ dead ” and “ died ” - avoid “ passed away , sleeping ”
› Provide limits but flexibility where possible
› Give choices when possible
› Offer lots of physical and emotional nurturing
› Provide opportunities for play
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