Supporting children and young people with loss, change and bereavement
The support cycle
1. Talk to your child
- Take into account your child’s age and stage of development to explain the situation
- Expect questions and be honest
- Reassure children it is not their fault
2. Responses to loss
- Everyone’s responses are different
- Changes in behaviour and mood are normal
- Grief is exhausting for children and adults
3. What you can do to help
- Provide ongoing comfort, attention and reassurance
- Help children recognise and name feelings
- Help children to share memories
4. Taking care of yourself
- Get plenty of sleep, eat healthily and stay active
- Talk to family and friends
- Manage your own expectations of what you can do – be kind to yourself
5. Additional information and support
- Contact your child’s nursery or school
- Child Bereavement UK – 0800 0288 40
- Edinburgh Psychological Services – 0131 469 2800
