Preparing Children for the Loss of a Loved One

Many children will experience the death of a loved one before reaching adulthood. Grandparents, aunts, uncles or even a parent may pass away while the child is still young. In some instances, the death of a loved one may occur suddenly. However, in the case of an elderly grandparent, impending death may be a process that provides children and their families the ability to grieve before the loved one dies. Regardless of the way in which the loss of a loved one occurs, the situation will have significant implications for the emotional health of the child. As such, parents and caregivers must be aware of these issues and respond to them in a manner that facilitates coping and healing.

Preparing children for the death of a loved one can be a challenging process; one that requires caregivers to understand how children comprehend and respond to death and loss. In helping prepare children for the loss of a loved one, parents and caregivers must take into consideration two pertinent variables: the age of the child and the family environment.

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