Childhood Grief

Childhood grief is the intense sadness children experience after losing someone or something important, such as a loved one, friend, or even a pet. Treatment for childhood grief helps children process these emotions and cope effectively. Grieving children may struggle with their emotions, behaviours, sleep patterns, and social interactions. While some children may not express their grief verbally, they might act out, withdraw, or show changes in their behaviour. Providing compassionate support and seeking professional help when needed is essential to help children navigate through grief.

childhood grief

What the research says about childhood grief

Children and adolescents may experience a range of emotions while grieving, such as anger, guilt, confusion, sadness, or even numbness. Unlike adults, children often grieve in “doses,” showing intense grief during some moments and appearing unaffected at others. Younger children, in particular, may hide their grief to protect others who are also grieving. This can be especially true when they are confused by the grief of family members.

During grief, children may express their emotions through anger, school struggles, disruptive behaviour, or even physical complaints like stomach aches. In such times, communication is crucial. Open, honest, and direct conversations about loss can help children process their feelings and understand the situation. With support, children can learn vital skills for coping with grief and other life challenges in the future.

 

Common Challenges During Childhood Grief

The loss of a loved one can trigger anxiety in children, leading to fears of death or separation from their caregivers. This can result in clinginess or excessive worry about their safety. In some cases, treatment for childhood grief can help address these additional concerns. Sometimes, grief can lead to other behavioural challenges or emotional difficulties that need professional support.

Parents who are also grieving may find it difficult to support their child emotionally. It is important for parents to take care of themselves to ensure they can provide the necessary support to their child. Teachers and other caregivers should be informed about the situation, and parents may want to prepare their child for any questions or comments they may encounter.

 

Treatment for Childhood Grief: When to Seek Help

If your child’s grief is prolonged, they express unsafe behaviours, or show excessive worry about their own safety or separation from caregivers, it may be helpful to seek professional treatment for childhood grief. Therapy can assist children in managing their grief and developing healthy coping strategies. Professional support can help your child process their emotions, learn how to express grief in healthy ways, and address any anxiety or fears that may arise.

 

How Grief Treatment Can Help Parents

Treatment for childhood grief not only supports children but can also assist parents in navigating this difficult time. Through therapy, parents can:

  • Learn how children of different ages experience and process grief.
  • Prepare responses to common questions children may ask about death and loss.
  • Maintain structure and routines to help children feel secure and supported.
  • Understand their own emotional responses and how these may affect their parenting.
  • Develop a solid support system and prioritise self-care.

 

How Therapy Can Help Children and Teenagers with Grief

Therapy for grief offers valuable tools to children and teenagers, helping them understand and cope with their emotions. Benefits of grief therapy for children include:

  • Understanding that grief is a natural response to loss and that the feelings will eventually subside.
  • Learning to manage worries and changes associated with death.
  • Finding healthy ways to express grief and stay connected with lost loved ones.
  • Developing coping strategies to navigate their emotions and avoid feeling like a burden to others.

Treatment for childhood grief is vital in helping children process their emotions and heal after a loss, ensuring they grow up with the resilience to handle future challenges.

Our psychologists are highly qualified, holding Master’s or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology.
We provide treatment for childhood grief using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other
evidence-based treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).