Supporting Children Through Grief
Helping Young Hearts Heal
When a child experiences grief, it can be confusing, overwhelming, and deeply painful. Whether they’ve lost a loved one, experienced a major life change, or are struggling to understand their emotions, children often need special care and support to navigate their feelings. At Authentic Living London, we’re here to help children and their families through the grieving process with compassion, patience, and understanding.
What Is Children’s Grief?
Children’s grief is the emotional response kids have to a loss or major life change. While adults may grieve with words, children often express their feelings in behaviors, play, or even silence.
Children may grieve for many reasons, including:
- The death of a loved one, including a family member, friend, or pet
- Separation or divorce within the family
- Moving to a new home or school
- Illness or disability within the family
- Loss of stability, such as a change in financial circumstances
Children’s grief isn’t always obvious, but it’s very real. It’s important to meet kids where they are, allowing them to grieve in their own way and at their own pace.
How Grief Affects Children
Children experience grief differently than adults. Their emotions may come and go, or they might express their feelings in ways that don’t seem directly related to the loss. Common signs of grief in children include:
- Emotional Signs: Sadness, anger, guilt, fear, or confusion
- Physical Symptoms: Stomach aches, headaches, or changes in appetite
- Behavioral Changes: Acting out, withdrawing, or regressing to earlier developmental stages
- Questions About the Loss: Seeking to understand what happened and what it means for their world
These reactions are a normal part of processing loss, but they can be difficult for children and their caregivers to navigate.
Why Children’s Grief Support Matters
Children may not have the words to express their grief or the tools to process their feelings. Without support, they can feel isolated or misunderstood. Grief support helps children make sense of their emotions, feel safe, and learn healthy ways to cope.
What to Expect in Therapy for Children’s Grief
Therapy for children’s grief provides a gentle, nurturing space where kids can explore their feelings in a way that feels natural and safe for them. At Authentic Living London, our therapists are experienced in working with children and tailoring sessions to their developmental needs.
Here’s what therapy might look like for a grieving child:
- Creative Expression: Using art, play, or storytelling to help children express emotions they might not have words for.
- Gentle Conversations: Exploring feelings and answering questions in a way that’s age-appropriate and supportive.
- Coping Skills: Teaching simple techniques to manage overwhelming emotions, like deep breathing or grounding exercises.
- Reassurance and Safety: Helping children feel secure and supported as they navigate their grief.
- Family Involvement: Including caregivers in the process to strengthen communication and provide tools for supporting the child at home.
Every child grieves differently, so sessions are personalized to meet their unique needs and experiences.
Support for Parents
As a parent, watching your child navigate grief can be deeply painful and challenging. You may feel unsure of how best to support them, or struggle with your own grief while trying to be strong for them. At Authentic Living London, we understand that grieving as a family can bring up many emotions, and we’re here to support you, too. We offer guidance for parents on how to create a safe, open environment where your child feels heard and supported. Our therapists also work with parents to help you process your own grief and develop healthy ways to cope, so you can be there for your child while also caring for yourself. Together, we can help your family find healing and strength during this difficult time.
Who Might Not Benefit from Children’s Grief Therapy?
While therapy is helpful for many children, it may not be the best fit if:
- The child doesn’t feel ready or comfortable engaging in therapy. Patience and gentle encouragement can help when the time is right.
- Immediate physical safety concerns or crises need to be addressed first.
- The family can’t provide a supportive environment for the child outside of therapy.
If you’re unsure, we can work with you to determine whether therapy is the right next step for your child.
You’re Not Alone
Watching a child grieve can be heartbreaking, especially when you’re grieving too. It’s natural to feel unsure about how to help. At Authentic Living London, we’re here to walk this path with you, offering support and guidance as you help your child heal.
Grief is a journey, but no one has to walk it alone. When you’re ready, reach out to us. Together, we can help your child navigate their grief and find hope, strength, and healing along the way.
We treasure what you have to say
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us!
Authentic Living London Psychotherapy and Grief Counselling
* Located in the Thompson Medical Center (TMC+) / Free Parking