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Tips To Help A Child Deal With Grief

by Emma Watson

Loss can be difficult for adults to handle. For children, the loss of a family member or friend can be devastating. Finding ways to help your child understand his or her grief and face it can be challenging. If your child has suffered a loss, here are some tips to help him or her with the grief.  

Be Open With Your Child

It is not uncommon for children to ask questions about death. For many adults, the subject can be difficult to face. It can be hard to find the words to answer the questions. However, being open with your child is important.  

In being honest, try to use language that is age-appropriate. The use of clinical terms can sometimes add to the confusion that your child might be experiencing. Being direct with your child and using terms such as "died" are better than saying that the deceased is sleeping or has passed away.  

Keep in mind that depending on the age of your child, his or her ability to think in terms that are beyond basic and concrete might be limited. For instance, a five-year-old might struggle with the idea of death more than a ten-year-old child. 

Recognize When It Is Time for Professional Help

If you believe that your child is still struggling to handle his or her grief, seek professional help. Although children can respond differently to the loss of a loved one, there are some symptoms to look out for. For instance, a child with behavioral problems that are not improving or who is experiencing intense bad dreams should be seen by a professional counselor.  

You should also seek professional help if your child has expressed suicidal thoughts or has started to experience chronic health problems that are directly related to his or her stress and grief.  

Some symptoms are common and usually disappear as children come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. For instance, bedwetting, hyperactivity, poor grades in school, and changes in appetite and sleeping are common. However, if your child does not seem to be getting better, get help. 

Learning how to manage the stress and grief experienced after the loss of a loved one can take time and effort, but with your help, your child can do so. If your child does receive professional help, ensure the therapist is fully aware of any changes that occur with your child's mental or physical health as it could impact his or her treatment plan. If you're unsure of how to help your child through this difficult time, consider talking to a parenting therapist who can help you learn strategies to better parent your child.

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