Supporting a Child Who is Experiencing Grief

When children lose a loved one, we may find ourselves also at a loss for how to help. Children may not be equipped to verbalize all that they are feeling, and may be reluctant to do so if we too are experiencing grief. Books can be a bridge that open important conversations.  Be ready to:

• Let children know that it’s okay for them to feel frightened and cry
• Answer questions directly and simply in keeping with the child’s ability to understand
• Talk about the characters and the story and how it relates to what the child is experiencing. Reassure them that you are there for them to help when they feel sad or afraid
• Remind them of happy memories and encourage them to share a story or draw a picture about good times they enjoyed with their lost loved one
• Ask others who love them to take an active role in reassuring children they are loved and cared for

A list of age-appropriate books is available here to help you support the grieving children in your life.

Additional support for children who have lost a loved one is available at Pathways of Hope Grief Support Centers. Family, individual and group programs can all be beneficial to helping children heal. Please contact your local Pathways of Hope Center for information.

Community Care Hospice

Wilmington (937) 382-5400

Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton

Dayton
(937) 258-4991

Ohio’s Community Mercy Hospice

Springfield (937) 390-9665

Hospice of Central Ohio

Newark
(740) 788-1400

Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County

Generations of Life Center, Troy

(937) 573-2103

Ohio’s Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties


Franklin
(513) 422-0300