Just like adults, children grieve the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, for children, it’s a new, unfamiliar emotion and journey. But when parents better understand that journey – from a child’s perspective – the road can be much smoother.
Today we explore the process of children’s grief with Lauren Schneider, Clinical Director of Child and Adolescent Programs at OUR HOUSE, one of the nation’s leading grief support centers. She is also author of Children Grieve Too: A Handbook for Parents of Grieving Children.
During today’s show we’ll explore:
• How children’s grief is different than parents
• Why your specific choice of words is critically important
• Age appropriate messages to explain the death of a loved one
• How to help your child prepare for the pending death of a loved one
• How to help your child understand their new emotions and not feat them
• How to share your feelings of grief with a child
• How to provide your child a safe environment to be sad
Stick around. No matter the age of your children, you will learn some valuable, helpful, thoughtful information!