Coping after difficult life events

• Do try to answer questions as honestly, sympathetically and accurately as you can.
• Do continue to do the things that you normally do. Familiar routines and events will provide security.
• Do be patient and calm.
• Do be ready to listen if children want to talk about their feelings or experiences.
• Do provide additional assurance of love and support.
• Do reassure the child that these are normal reactions to abnormal events.
• Do allow children to go through their own individual stages of grief.
• Do seek support for yourself if you need it.
• Do use words that the child can understand.
• Do encourage the emotions of shock or grief.
• Do point out that other people will handle their grief in different ways.
• Remember: it’s OK if children do not want to talk about their feelings

What you can do to help

Children and young people’s reactions to loss and bereavement vary. Some have reactions that are short-lived. Others have more severe and long-lasting reactions.

If you are concerned about a child or young person, talk to the child’s class teacher or the Headteacher. They may involve the school’s Educational Psychologist or mental health professionals such as a school counsellor, the Mental Health Support Team or Harrow Horizons.