Resources for helping a grieving child
If you know a child who is grieving the loss of someone special, here are some ways to help:
Listen, listen, listen—listen with your heart, eyes and ears
Give a gift of art supplies and toys which can help the child express feelings
Give the child a punching bag and other safe ways to express anger
Help the child build memories by sharing stories and photos
Be honest. If you don’t have an answer to a question, say so, and talk with them about the question
Help the child feel secure by expressing your ongoing love and availability
Support the whole family to help them keep their normal schedules and routines as possible—this helps children feel safe
More information
See books on the reading list
How Montgomery Hospice and Prince George’s Hospice helps
Connections is offered by our Bereavement Care program to children ages 4 to 17 who have suffered the loss of a sibling or parent. Youngsters combine arts and crafts along with memory sharing as they learn to cope with loss and grief on their own terms.
Parents and guardians can participate in parallel sessions where they learn to care for themselves and their children as the family adjusts and adapts to loss.
With the support of professional grief counselors and trained volunteers, Connections provides a safe environment where children and adults:
Feel less lonely by connecting with others who are also grieving
Identify ways grief affects them physically, emotionally and spiritually
Express feelings through art and personal ceremony
Share stories and memories
Learn to practice nurturing self-care