Children and Grief: Helping Them Cope with Loss

Children and Grief: Helping Young Ones Understand and Cope with Loss

Free Grief Support for Families from Bakken-Young Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Grief is difficult at any age, but for children, the loss of a loved one can be especially confusing and overwhelming. They often don’t have the words to express their emotions or the experience to fully understand what’s happening. As a parent or caregiver, knowing how to guide a child through grief can make all the difference in their healing journey.

At Bakken-Young Funeral Home & Cremation Services, we offer free grief support services to help families navigate the painful process of loss. With the right support, children can learn healthy ways to express their emotions and begin to understand life after loss.

Understanding How Kids Grieve

Children experience grief differently depending on their age, development, and relationship to the person who died. Some may cry openly, while others may appear unaffected or act out. It’s important to remember that children may revisit their grief at different stages of their development.

Common signs of grief in children include:

• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Separation anxiety or clinginess
• Regression in behavior (e.g., bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Withdrawal or acting out

Providing a safe and supportive environment where they feel heard and loved is key to helping them cope.

How to Talk to Children About Death

Being honest and age-appropriate is essential. Avoid euphemisms like “gone to sleep” or “passed away,” which can create confusion or fear. Instead, use clear language:

“Grandpa died. That means his body stopped working, and he can’t come back.”

Let them ask questions—even if you don’t have all the answers. Simply being present and open lets them know it’s okay to talk about what they’re feeling.

Ways to Help Children Cope with Loss

• Encourage Expression: Let kids draw, write, or talk about their feelings. Creative outlets are often easier for children than direct conversation.
• Maintain Routines: Structure provides comfort. Keeping a normal routine helps children feel secure during uncertain times.
• Create Meaningful Rituals: Light a candle, make a memory box, or write a letter to the person who died. Involving children in these activities helps them process their loss in a tangible way.
• Be Patient and Reassuring: Grief takes time. Remind them that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused—and that those feelings will change over time.

Grief Support for Families and Children

At Bakken-Young Funeral Home & Cremation Services, we offer free grief counseling and support resources for children and families. Our compassionate team can help your child understand their emotions and find comfort during loss.

📞 Call us at our two locations: New Richmond at (715) 243-5252  or River Falls at (715) 425-8788.

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Helping your child cope with loss is one of the most important gifts you can give them. With love, honesty, and support, children can begin to understand grief—and find hope beyond it.