This site explains how to communicate with a child who is dealing with the loss of a loved one. Kids of different ages will cope in different ways and it is important to understand the dos and don'ts of dealing with children of different ages. We've also included service providers that can help the children deal with their loss.

Home | Loss of a Loved One

Children react differently than adults to the loss of a loved one. Very young children, preschool age or younger, usually see death as temporary and reversible. Older children may appear to understand that loss is a permanent thing but often fail to believe that it may happen to someone they know. It is normal during the weeks following the loss of a loved one for some children to feel immediate grief or persist in the belief that the family member is still alive. However can be emotionally unhealthy and can later lead to more severe problems if this belief persist for and becomes a long-term denial of the death or avoidance of grief.

	Signs & Symptoms

• Extended period of depression and loss of interest in daily activities and events
• Inability to sleep, loss of appetite, prolonged fear of being alone
• Acting much younger for an extended period
• Excessively imitating the dead person
• Repeated statements of wanting to join the dead person
• Withdrawal from friends
• Sharp drop in school performance or refusal to attend school