4. Write about the Experience.
One way to help children move past their grief is to have a parent/ adult write down the experience of hearing the loss so that the child does not have to relive it all of the time. Many times, children (and adults) are afraid/ nervous that if that don’t relive the moment of death, they will forget it. By having something to reflect on, they will always be able to remember the experience and therefore be able to move forward.
5. Allow Children to Participate.
Engaging children in the planning of activities can help them feel connected to what is happening around them. Let them talk about it. Children need to have opportunity to put their feelings into words. They may be anxious about the safety of other loved ones or themselves. Or they may be feeling guilty about times they weren’t nice to the deceased, or sad thinking about opportunities they missed to show affection. They will do better if they can express their feelings to those who can provide the reassurance they need to heal.
6. Provide Resources.
Consider turning to activities that you can do as a family to help with the grieving process. These may include reading children’s books or watching movies. Connecting with characters or hearing another expert’s perspective may help them feel less alone in the experience. During the healing process, they will likely realize that this everyone will go through the loss of either with a pet or a loved one.
