(410) 742-3055
farah.vangenderen@mendedmind.hush.com

Farah VanGenderen

  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Getting Started
    • Client Forms
    • Rates & Insurance
    • FAQ’s
    • Appointment Request
  • Resources
    • In The News
    • Mental Health Links
    • Physical Health Links
  • Blog
  • Contact

Helping Kids Cope with Loss

January 31, 2020 by Farah VanGenderen

Parents do their best to shield their children from the harsh realities of the world. But as much of an effort as they put in, parents can’t always protect their children from experiencing the pain of loss. Whether it’s the loss of a beloved pet, a childhood friend, or the loss of a family member, young children are often unequipped to deal with the feelings of grief and sadness.

Here are some ways you can help your child cope with loss:

Share What They Can Handle

Children have very big imaginations. They can often imagine a scenario that is far scarier than the current reality. While you may think speaking openly to children about a pet or loved one’s illness and impending death will cause anxiety, very often not speaking with them will cause them even more. Just be sure to share facts and information that is age-appropriate. For instance, a 12-year-old may understand the concept of hospice care while a 5-year-old may not. With younger children, share the simple essentials of death and dying.

Use Children’s Books

It can be difficult finding just the right words to explain death and dying to a young child. At these times, children’s books about illness, dying and bereavement can be a tremendous help and can guide you in having developmentally appropriate conversations with young people.

Encourage Their Honest Feelings

Loss can cause people of all ages to completely shut down emotionally. Emotional numbness is a form of denial. While it’s okay for a child to take some space after the initial loss, you will need to help them feel their feelings about it. Unexpressed emotions can cause mental and physical issues in the future.

Accept Their Honest Feelings

Like adults, kids may go through a gamut of emotions from anger to sadness, guilt to shame. It’s natural and okay for your child to feel any emotion they may have. Let them know this and support them at every step of their grieving process.

Seek Help

Your child may benefit from speaking with a professional therapist who can offer tools and coping strategies. You’ll want to look for someone who’s not only qualified but who both you and your child will feel comfortable working with.

If you’re interested in exploring treatment options, please be in touch with me. I’d be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

Filed Under: Depression, Family Therapy, General, Grief, Issues for Women, Parenting, Teens/Children, Trauma / PTSD

Farah VanGenderen

Farah VanGenderen



(410) 742-3055
farah.vangenderen@mendedmind.hush.com

415 Rolling Road,
Salisbury, MD 21801

Send a Message

By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

Farah VanGenderen

 
(410) 742-3055

farah.vangenderen@mendedmind.hush.com
 

 
Get Theranest For 2 Months Free!
 
Order Your Essential Oils Here!

Connect with Me




"Be in love with your life. Every minute of it."
-Jack Kerouac

Get Started

Learn more about my services here.

Privacy Policy

A bright site by Brighter Vision