Helping Children Cope with Loss

Cremation services Hellertown, PA, aren’t easy. Children are sensitive and vulnerable and the loss of a close friend or a family member can take its toll on them. Depending on their maturity and nature of the relationship with the deceased, some children express their emotions through behavioral changes, sleep changes, and other common ways. 

What’s worse is many children tend to mask their feelings and don’t tend to share their emotions with the caretaker or parent. In any case, you have to use your common sense to judge the 

 maturity as a guide in helping them get past the grief journey. 

Below are some useful suggestions. 

Talk with Them 

First and foremost, ensure that you’re always present around the child. Don’t leave them alone for an extended period as it can further plunge them into depression., Children often have the trust issues especially if you’re not the child’s parent, so expect them to be reserved at discussing their personal feelings with you. 

It’s good to start having a conversation with them and try to win their confidence. Make sure they’re handling the situation normally without any significant change in behavior or sleeping and eating patterns. 

Be Honest with Them 

Many people try to hide the reality from children as a way to protect them but research shows that it does more harm than good. Avoid pretending that everything is normal and that the lost loved one will come back – it can have negative effect on the child’s personality. 

Instead, try to explain how and why the loved one has left this world. If the child is too young or the deceased was too close with them, find ways to break the news slowly. Show your unconditional support to the child while giving the news.   

Don’t Over Explain Things 

Avoid over sharing the news or other practical matters pertaining to the deceased. The child may not be mature enough to understand your conversations and it can aggravate their anxiety. Don’t go into details that can be misinterpreted by the child. 

Acknowledge Their Emotions   

Never try to shut the child down or downplay their emotions. Each child has a unique way of reacting to grief and you ought to accept their varying responses. Remember that the child may try to hide the painful emotions with dangerous behavior. If you see any behavior that might be destructive to their well-being, seek professional support.   

It’s important to keep the child engaged in their favorite activities in the first couple of weeks following the loss. Keep them aware of what’s happening around them. Talk about funeral rituals and rites and how the loved one had received the best possible end-of-life tribute. 

Express Your Sympathy Regularly

Use caring and loving words to make the child believe that you are always available for them. Try to win their confidence to the extent that he or she shouldn’t feel uncomfortable discussing personal feelings with you. 

Once the child gets to know you better, she won’t hesitate to explain how they are coping with the loss. Only then, you’ll be able to help them, navigate through the journey after cremation services Hellertown, PA.