Navigating Children’s Grief: How to Help Them Cope
In the face of childhood grief, Dr Jared Ng emphasizes the intricate and unique nature of children's responses to loss. Drawing on personal experience and professional insights, he underscores the importance of adaptable and observant parenting, acknowledging the diverse ways children navigate their emotions.
Key takeaways
- Supporting grieving children requires a delicate balance of empathy, insight, and patience. Parents should cultivate a compassionate space where children feel safe expressing emotions.
- Open communication about sensitive topics, such as suicide, contributes to demystifying the subject and fostering an environment of trust.
- Grief extends beyond immediate family and friends, impacting broader communities. Acknowledging and addressing grief in these larger circles is crucial.
Posted on 25 Jan 2024
Written by
Dr Jared Ng, Connections MindHealth
Our family recently experienced a situation that brought the topic of loss into our lives. Our daughter, who is 14, was faced with the sudden death of a friend, also 14. Though they met only once a week, the event was significant enough to stir reflections on mortality. At this age, children often first confront death with the passing of elderly relatives, like grandparents. The loss of a peer, a friend, introduces a different dimension to their budding understanding of life and death. This type of loss, unexpected and at a distance, subtly alters their developing concept of mortality, challenging their nascent understanding.
As a psychiatrist and my wife as a child psychologist, we have guided many children and families through the grieving process. Encountering this with our own daughter, even from a step removed, has provided a unique perspective. This experience has been an insightful journey for our family, not one of deep personal grief for our daughter, but still a moment of learning and reflection. In this article, I aim to share thoughts and perspectives informed by our professional background and our family’s experience with this indirect encounter with loss. I hope to offer my views on the kind of support and guidance children might need when they face similar experiences.
Navigating the Terrain of Childhood Grief
In the wake of this recent tragic event, the distinct ways in which children and adolescents process grief have become more apparent within our own household. Each child’s reaction to grief is as unique as their individuality. Some might deeply feel the loss, exhibiting intense sorrow, tears, and a strong attachment to memories. Others may seemingly shrug off the loss with an indifference that can be puzzling, yet this too is a natural part of the spectrum of grief. It’s not uncommon for anger and frustration to surface as young ones try to make sense of death’s finality and apparent unfairness. Additionally, feelings of guilt can unexpectedly arise, haunted by ‘what ifs’ and ‘if onlys’.
Behavioral shifts often accompany their grieving. A child who was self-sufficient may start to regress, finding solace in old habits or seeking extra reassurance. On the flip side, some might adopt an air of maturity, trying to fill perceived gaps or taking on roles they think are left empty.
These varied responses highlight that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to aiding a young person in grief. Their path through mourning is deeply personal, influenced by their comprehension of death, their bond with the person who passed, and their emotional and developmental stage.
Our task as parents is to be observant and adaptable. This means not only hearing their words but also understanding their silences. It involves offering comfort without overwhelming, providing guidance without imposing, and letting the child navigate their grief in their way. Often, the most significant support we can provide is simply being there – a constant, reassuring presence that they are not alone as they journey through the complex emotions of loss and bereavement.
Supporting Young Hearts in Times of Grief
Our part in their journey of mourning oscillates among being a compassionate listener, a source of comfort, and often, just a silent, supportive presence beside them.
Fostering a Compassionate Space
It’s vital to cultivate an environment where a child feels safe to express and explore their emotions. This involves being completely present, both in body and spirit. Active listening goes beyond hearing their words; it’s about noticing their non-verbal cues, understanding the emotions behind their silences, and the messages in their pauses. When our daughter was processing her friend’s death, there were moments when she retreated into quiet reflection (Well, she was never someone very expressive in the first place). Recognising these times as opportunities for silent solidarity, we sat with her, offering a comforting presence, understanding that sometimes words are unnecessary and might even disrupt the healing process.
Navigating Openness and Privacy
Encouraging honest communication while respecting a child’s personal space is a delicate act. After our daughter’s friend passed away, we gently invited her to share her thoughts and feelings. We wanted to create a natural and supportive setting for conversation, which meant that we did it away from her two brothers. She would definitely not want to talk about feelings or show any emotions if the brothers were around. Yet, we were equally mindful of her moments of solitude, understanding when she needed to be alone, maybe writing in her journal or listening to music that connected her to her friend. This balance allowed her to independently process her grief, with the assurance of our unwavering support at her beck and call.
Respecting Teenagers’ Sharing Preferences
Teenagers, amidst their journey towards self-discovery and independence, may prefer to confide in trusted adults or friends outside the immediate family circle. Honouring and facilitating this preference is key. This would mean arranging conversations with a beloved relative or a close family friend with whom the child feels more comfortable. This would provide the child with alternative avenues for emotional expression. Furthermore, encouraging her participation in peer support groups offered her the chance to connect with others experiencing similar emotions, fostering a sense of solidarity and understanding.
Modelling Constructive Grieving Behaviors
As adults, we’re the exemplars of healthy grieving practices. By sharing our own feelings of loss and the coping strategies we employ, we guide children in acknowledging and expressing their grief. This can be through simple actions like discussing our emotions openly, participating in rituals to remember the loved one, or seeking support from friends or professionals. This approach underscores that reaching out for help is a sign of courage and an integral part of emotional resilience.
For example, we might share our feelings about the loss (“I feel a deep sense of loss too, it’s natural to be sad”) or engage in remembrance activities, like lighting a candle or browsing through photo albums. These actions provide a tangible framework for children to articulate and process their grief.
In essence, our role in guiding children through grief involves creating a nurturing space where their emotions are acknowledged and respected, balancing openness with privacy, and demonstrating healthy ways to grieve. By doing so, we not only assist them in navigating their current loss but also empower them with the emotional tools to face future challenges.
Guiding Young Minds Through Discussions on Death and Loss
Facilitating conversations about death and loss with children requires a thoughtful blend of candor, sensitivity, and a keen awareness of their developmental stage and emotional capacity. In our household, given my professional expertise, we’ve adopted a relatively open stance towards discussing challenging topics, including suicide. I recognise, though, that this level of openness might not be typical in many families, where such discussions are often circumvented or shrouded in ambiguity.
Tailoring Explanations to Age and Understanding
When broaching the subject of death, especially in cases of sudden loss like the one involving my daughter’s friend, it’s crucial to provide explanations that are clear and suitable for the child’s age. For younger children, this may involve using simple, straightforward language (“She passed away because her body stopped working and couldn’t be fixed”) and steering clear of complex details. With teenagers, the dialogue may evolve into more profound discussions about life, death, and mental wellness.
Anticipating and Responding to Emotional Reactions
Expect and be prepared for various emotional reactions, ranging from sadness and confusion to anger or apathy. Each response is valid and should be met with empathy and reassurance. It’s essential to create an environment where these emotions can be expressed freely and without judgment.
For instance, if a child shows sadness or becomes tearful during a discussion about death, offer them comfort through physical affection or supportive words (“It’s completely okay to cry, I’m right here with you”). If they express anger or confusion, acknowledge their feelings and propose to explore them together (“I see you’re really upset about this. Would you like to talk more about your feelings?”).
Approaching the Subject of Suicide
Discussing suicide with children demands a particularly careful and sensitive approach. In our family, the subject of suicide is openly addressed, a practice stemming from my professional engagements. My children have been exposed to discussions on this topic during my Zoom lectures and online meetings, creating an atmosphere where suicide is recognised as a critical, though difficult, topic.
For instance, following one of my lectures, my son approached me with questions about why someone might contemplate suicide. This led to a conversation about mental health, the importance of seeking help, and how overwhelming emotional pain can be. These discussions, albeit challenging, have been pivotal in demystifying the topic and fostering an environment of openness and trust.
I am aware, however, that this level of frankness is not standard in all homes. In many communities, suicide is still a taboo subject, often enveloped in stigma and misunderstanding. It’s vital for families to break this silence and provide clear, accurate information. This can start with simple steps, such as acknowledging mental health issues and stressing the importance of empathy and understanding for those facing these challenges.
For example, if a child hears about a suicide from school or media, it presents an opportunity to start a conversation. You might say, “It’s deeply saddening when someone feels such intense pain that they can’t see any other solution. It’s important for us to discuss these feelings and to remember that help is always available.” Such dialogues can lay the groundwork for a more informed and empathetic understanding of mental health and suicide in children.
Emphasising the Value of Seeking Assistance
It’s crucial to reinforce that seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness. Foster an environment where open discussion about emotions and mental health is encouraged, making it clear that expressing feelings and reaching out to trusted adults, friends, or professionals is always a positive and brave step.
For example, you could say, “If you ever feel very sad or overwhelmed, it’s important to talk about it with someone, like me, a teacher, or a counsellor. Discussing our feelings is a healthy and courageous act.”
In summary, guiding children through discussions about death and loss involves providing them with appropriate information, supporting them emotionally, and creating a space where difficult topics can be approached openly and with honesty. By doing this, we not only aid them in processing their grief but also lay a foundation for their emotional development and future coping mechanisms.
Understanding the Ripple Effect of Grief in the Community
The ramifications of a young person’s passing extend far beyond their immediate family and friends, affecting many in the broader community. This became evident to us following the loss of our daughter’s friend. The wave of grief wasn’t confined to her close classmates; it reached out to youngsters from her primary school, tuition centres, and other social circles. Within her secondary school, it affected the class teachers, CCA teachers, and school leaders. This wider impact is something that’s sometimes missed in the wake of such events.
As caregivers and community members, recognising and addressing the grief in these larger circles is essential. They, too, deserve acknowledgment and support in their mourning. This could involve reaching out to former teachers, leaders of clubs or groups the deceased was involved in, or parents of other children who knew them. It’s about forging support networks that go beyond the immediate, understanding that grief doesn’t adhere to the limits of existing relationships or environments.
By offering this extended support, we can help organise memorial events, support groups, or counselling sessions that include these broader groups. Providing resources and advice to adults within these networks also equips them to better support the children they look after. It’s a collective endeavor, a recognition that grief, in its various forms, impacts more individuals than we might initially comprehend.
Conclusion
In navigating the complex and varied paths of childhood grief, we, as parents and caregivers, play a multifaceted role. It’s a journey that calls for empathy, understanding, and patience, as we strive to create a safe space for our children to express and process their emotions. Whether it’s providing a listening ear, respecting their need for privacy, or guiding them in understanding and articulating their feelings, our approach must be as individual as each child’s experience of loss.
By fostering open discussions, encouraging healthy emotional expression, and creating supportive networks, we not only aid our children in navigating their grief but also contribute to building a more empathetic and understanding society. This journey, though challenging, reinforces the importance of togetherness, compassion, and resilience in the face of loss, shaping a supportive community for all who are touched by grief.
