Practical Tips for Helping a Child Cope with Loss

Posted August 2nd, 2009 in 2s and 3s, Pre-Primary, Primary, Middler, Junior
  • Accept the child’s feelings. You do not need to cheer him up. Share briefly your own feelings of sadness over a loss you have experienced.
  • Realize the extent of the child’s pain. Even though the child is young, his feelings are deep. Do not try to gloss over the loss or humor the child into feeling better.
  • Give a child time to talk if this is what he wants to do. Sometimes a child has an easier time talking when he is doing something with his hands. You might try to initiate a conversation during the beginning activity time. Be a good listener. This is what a child needs most. Talking about the loss helps the child accept what has happened. His feelings will change. You do not have to fix his pain for him.