How to help grieving children who have lost a parent or parents.

What are the warning signs: the children Isolates themselves, indiscipline in school, low appetite, Suicidal thoughts/talks/threats, Insomnia or excessive sleeping, Irritability, Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, Anger, Defiant attitude, Declining grades, Physical complaints, (stomachache, headache), Lack of energy or fatigue.

How to help grieving children

Respond to emotions with comfort and reassurance. Notice if your child seems sad, worried, or upset in other ways. Ask about feelings and listen. Let your child know that it takes time to feel better after a loved one dies. Some kids may temporarily have trouble concentrating or sleeping, or have fears or worries. counseling can help child(ren) who need support. You may reach out to me for help.

Help your child remember the person. Encourage your child to tell stories, events, draw pictures or write down favorite stories of their loved one. Don't avoid mentioning the person who died.

Recalling and sharing happy memories helps heal grief and activate positive feelings.

Help your child feel better. Provide the comfort your child needs, but don't dwell on sad feelings. shift to an activity that helps child the feel a little better. Play, make art, cook, or go somewhere together. You may ask your child to identify what he/she would do that would make mummy proud. Once identified ask her/him to do it. Turning negative feelings to Positive energy.

Be patient: Each child deals with grief in different ways. Specific reactions will depend on the child’s level of maturity and the relationship he or she had with the deceased. If you see behavior that you think might be destructive seek to know what’s happening in the child’s life or seek counseling

Be honest and open: Children have remarkable insight into what is happening around them. You should avoid trying to protect them. While you don’t want to be harsh or reveal gory details, honesty is always the preferred approach. If the child wants to talk, consider sharing a special story about the deceased that he or she can relate to. Imagine a case of suicide, everyone knows what happened and people are talking about it, then you happen to tell the child the parent is sleeping. The suicide stigma will emotionally torture the child more than the death. Please tell the truth regardless of the shame.

Show Empathy: Use your own words to let the child know that you recognize their loss. “It’s hard to imagine someone we love has died. I am sorry for the loss of your parent. Offering activities that will take your child’s mind off the sadness may help. With patience, understanding, and empathy you can help children work through their grief.

Encouraging bereaved children to connect with other children is one of the best things parents and guardians can do, as well as telling stories about the deceased parent and helping the child build a redefined relationship with them. Encouraging the child to identify the best they can be to make their parents legacy. Or become the best as a gift to their parents.

Be aware of warning signs: Older children, particularly teens, can be at risk of trying to mask their grief with dangerous behaviors. They may also have difficulty talking with friends about their loss. If you are concerned, alert the parents or seek professional help for the child. What are the warning signs: isolation, indiscipline in school, low appetite, Suicidal thoughts/talks/threats, Insomnia or excessive sleeping, Irritability, Feelings of guilt or worthlessness, Anger, Defiant attitude, Declining grades, Physical complaints, Lack of energy or fatigue.

Give the child time to heal from the loss. Grief is a process that happens over time. Be sure to have ongoing conversations to see how your child is feeling and doing. Healing doesn't mean forgetting about the loved one. It means remembering the person with love, and letting loving memories stir good feelings that support us as we go on to enjoy life.