BCAW: Children Grieve Too, So What Can You Do?
Bereaved Children’s Awareness Week - 18th November 2024 - 24th November 2024
Bereavement is a challenging experience for anyone, but for children, it can be particularly difficult to process and understand. Royal Homecare is committed to supporting families through life’s toughest times. This Bereaved Children’s Awareness Week, we are sharing ways you can help a child navigate their grief with compassion and understanding.
Understanding Children's Grief
Children grieve differently from adults. Their age, developmental stage, and relationship with the person who has passed away will influence their response to loss. Some may express sadness openly, while others may act out, withdraw, or seem unaffected initially. Recognising these responses as part of their grieving process is essential to supporting them effectively.
Ways to Support a Bereaved Child
1. Encourage Open Communication
Children need a safe space to talk about their feelings and the person they’ve lost. Encourage them to share memories, ask questions, or express their emotions in their own way. Use age-appropriate language to explain death and avoid euphemisms that may confuse them.
2. Offer Stability and Routine
Grief can make a child’s world feel uncertain. Providing a consistent routine helps them feel secure during an unpredictable time. Familiar activities like school, playtime, and family meals can create a sense of normalcy.
3. Be Patient with Their Emotions
Children might not have the words to express their grief. They may show anger, clinginess, or regress to earlier behaviours. Respond with patience and understanding, and remind them that their feelings are valid.
4. Incorporate Creative Outlets
Art, music, and storytelling can help children process their emotions in ways that words cannot. Encourage them to draw pictures, write letters, or create a scrapbook to honour their loved ones.
5. Read Together
Books about loss can help children understand their feelings and normalise their experiences. Choose stories that align with their age and emotional maturity, and read together to discuss the themes.
6. Remember Milestones
Acknowledging anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays associated with the deceased can help a child feel connected to their loved one. Engage in rituals such as lighting a candle, planting a tree, or sharing stories during these times.
7. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If a child’s grief seems prolonged or overwhelming, seeking help from a counsellor or therapist specialising in children’s bereavement can be invaluable. They can offer coping strategies tailored to the child’s needs.
How Royal Homecare Can Help
At Royal Homecare, we understand the profound impact of loss on families. Our compassionate caregivers are trained to provide support to children and their families during difficult times. Whether it’s offering respite care, maintaining household routines, or simply being there as a trusted presence, we are here to help.
Spread Awareness This Week
Bereaved Children’s Awareness Week is a reminder to support the young people in our lives who are navigating grief. Share this blog to raise awareness and ensure no child feels alone in their loss.
For more resources on helping bereaved children or to learn about our services, contact Royal Homecare today. Together, we can provide the care and support every family deserves.