There are many stresses a child will have to face when they lose someone with whom they have strong bonds of attachment.

If the child has lost a parent, he or she may for the first time feel different, singled out. He or she may attempt to hide the fact or put on a bravado face in an attempt to conceal from themselves and others the feelings they have. These feelings can include:

• Helplessness
• Stigma
• Distress
• Vulnerability

They may fear that they will lose another person close to them. This may create further anxiety that could interfere with the child working through the loss.

When a child considers death, they may experience any of the following feelings:

• Bewilderment
• Fear
• Guilt
• Anger
• Hostility
• Defiance

The child could feel in some way he or she caused the death.

Grieving is painful, traumatic whether we face it as a child or an adult. Yet with the sensitive support of people the child will master this trauma. The child’s life and development within the family will go on.

Seeking professional help as the family accepts and adjusts to the loss can provide further support to the both the child and others around the child.

Phone 03 9018 9356
Email Maralyn Karpathiou or phone 0438 056 780