Supporting children and young people with loss, change and bereavement

The support cycle

1. Talk to your child 

  • Take into account your child’s age and stage of development to explain the situation 

  • Expect questions and be honest 

  • Reassure children it is not their fault 

2. Responses to loss 

  • Everyone’s responses are different 

  • Changes in behaviour and mood are normal 

  • Grief is exhausting for children and adults 

3. What you can do to help 

  • Provide ongoing comfort, attention and reassurance 

  • Help children recognise and name feelings 

  • Help children to share memories 

4. Taking care of yourself 

  • Get plenty of sleep, eat healthily and stay active 

  • Talk to family and friends 

  • Manage your own expectations of what you can do – be kind to yourself 

5. Additional information and support 

  • Contact your child’s nursery or school