Support & information When a child or family grieves Supporting bereaved children and young people Supporting bereaved children and young people Other guidance films that may be helpful: Remembering someone who has died Building resilience in bereaved young people Should I be worried about my bereaved teenager? Supporting a bereaved child with autism Parenting bereaved children When a parent has died Children and young people grieve just as much as adults but they show it in different ways. They learn how to grieve by copying the responses of the adults around them, and rely on adults to provide them with the support they need in their grief. How might bereaved children react and what may help? Children and young people have a limited ability to put feelings and thoughts into words and tend to show feelings with behaviours rather than words. Reactions will vary greatly as children absorb and process information in different ways at different ages. The following reactions are common, and are likely to settle over time with reassurance, acknowledging what has happened and their feelings, giving them clear and age-appropriate information, and keeping to normal routines. Picking up on tension and distress Children pick up on tension, distress or anxiety in adults, and may mirror this in their own behaviour. Even babies sense that something important is missing, and may cry more than usual. Children of all ages may be clingy or unsettled. Appearing not to react Children under 6 years old do not understand that death is permanent. Children cannot handle strong emotions for long periods, and may jump quickly in and out of grief (‘puddle jumping’). When told that someone important has died, some children may look blank and ask ‘can I play’ or ‘what’s for tea?’ They may have heard, but they are not able to process what that means yet. They may react later with sudden crying, outbursts, changes in behaviour or asking questions. Asking questions and exploring what death means Children may ask repeatedly: “When’s Nanny coming back?” or “Where has she gone?” even though they’ve been told clearly what has happened. They may hunt everywhere for a ‘lost’ person, and so a clear explanation of what ‘died’ means may help. Children may play games where the person dies, or is still alive. They may seem fascinated with death, play-act about death or ask repeatedly about it. All of these are ways that children show that they are processing their understanding of what has happened. Feeling anxious or insecure When someone dies, a child’s sense of safety is rocked. They may not want to leave you, and may cling to you or follow you everywhere. They may behave as if they are younger: being very quiet or tearful, having temper flare-ups, sucking their thumb, being reluctant to do things they used to do with confidence, or wetting the bed. Try to keep to normal routines which will help them feel safe, and keep them informed about plans for the days ahead. Tell them who will take them to school or activities. If you need to leave them, tell them when you will be home, or who will be looking after them.Include them in simple decision-making that affects them. If the person who died was ill, address any fears about the illness (for example that it is not catching), and reassure them that you are not ill and not leaving them. Anger Anger and other strong emotions are natural reactions to sad or shocking news, and some children and young people may not be able to understand or manage their own feelings. They may feel angry at the person who died, at family, at themselves or at the world in general. It can help to tell them it is understandable for them to be angry, as long as they don’t hurt themselves or anyone else. Safe ways to release anger include hitting cushions, vigorous physical exercise, messy painting sessions, or going outside to shout very loudly. Another idea is a ‘safe zone’ where they can go to calm down. This could be a quiet corner with familiar items that help them to feel safe. Looking after adults or feeling responsible As children realise that death is permanent, they also become aware that it happens to other people including themselves. They may be protective and try to look after their important adults and siblings. They may feel that they were somehow responsible for the death. Primary aged children may show ‘magical thinking’ where they think ‘if I do this, Dad will come back’. They may behave very well to compensate for what’s happened, or behave less well-behaved because they feel angry or guilty. Denying what has happened or taking risks Bereavement can be overwhelming, and can bring huge changes, alongside other challenges that young people face as they grow up. They may want to forget or deny the death or how strongly they feel. They may feel ‘what’s the point?’ with school or social activities. Some young people may be impulsive or take risks, in an attempt to get back some control in a life that for them currently feels very out of control. What helps grieving children and young people Every child is unique and will cope with the death of someone important in their own way. There is no magic formula but things that help include: Clear, honest and age-appropriate information. Reassurance that they are not to blame and that different feelings are OK. Normal routines and a clear demonstration that important adults are there for them. Time to talk about what has happened, ask questions and build memories. Being listened to and given time to grieve in their own way. Resources for children and young people Understanding and ‘owning’ their feelings may help children. A book or leaflet which they can fill in can help them to express and understand feelings, build memories and feel less alone. My Dad and me - blank memory book When someone special dies – under 7 When someone special dies – 7-11 When someone special dies – young people Remembering by Dianne Leutner; illustrated by Daniel Postgate. Suitable for primary aged and older children. Available from Child Bereavement UK Someone I know has diedby Trish Phillips. Suitable for early years and primary aged children. Available from Child Bereavement UK Older children and young people may share feelings with peers rather than their family. It is still important that they have adults around that they trust. Young people may find it helpful to go online to see other young people’s stories, and to share their own. Further information More about how children and young people grieve, and what helps: Children’s understanding of death at different ages How children and young people grieve What helps grieving children and young people Supporting bereaved children under 5 years of age Supporting bereaved children and young people with special educational needs Supporting bereaved childen and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder Building resilience in bereaved children and young people When a grandparent dies: the impact on children and young people Finding support For many bereaved children and young people, they may get all the support they need from those already around them that they know and trust. However, some children and young people may need additional support depending on their situation. > Find support near you > Child Bereavement UK support services > About our Helpline