Children’s Grief and Loss

Understanding Children’s Loss and Grief (from KidsGrief.ca)

Children will experience many different losses as they grow up. A friend moves away. A cherished toy goes missing. A pet dies. Moving to the next grade means leaving a favourite teacher.  A relationship ends and divorce changes the family. A favourite uncle is sent to prison. A grandparent, neighbour or family friend dies. 

Just like adults, children’s grief can range from a minor reaction to feeling their world has shattered. This depends on factors such as their age and their relationship with the person who is ill or has died. In many other ways, however, their grief looks very different from that of adults. As a result, it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. 

Please keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules about how children will or should grieve at a particular age. Your child may respond differently. For example, some young children don’t act out their grief but talk a great deal and ask many questions. There is no “normal” or “right” way for children to grieve.

For parents/caregivers who would like to learn more about supporting children’s loss and grief here is a link to online modules: https://kidsgrief.ca/mod/lesson/view.php?id=151

Module 1: Understanding children’s grief and finding teachable moments

Module 2: Talking about dying and death

Module 3: Supporting a grieving child

Burnaby School District resource: Tips for Talking About Death and Loss_