My Mum loved my kids so much they were her world. My youngest has just turned 6 and he talks about my Mum lots. He is really sweet and I know he misses her. He has started having a bad tummy all the time and doesn’t want to get away from us, crying at bedtime which I suspect is due to the loss of lovely Granny. My eldest has refused to talk about her but tonight we had a really open conversation. He broke down in tears and said he it makes him feel too sad to talk about her. I am literally breaking inside myself but I am not sure how to help my kids through this as I need help myself.
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Hello @Lujo,
I’m so sorry for the loss of mum. Thank you for reaching out to the community - I hope you find it to be a support to you.
It can be hard to know where to begin helping kids through grief when grieving ourselves. You might find these resources helpful.
- Sue Ryder has a guide on supporting a bereaved child which you may find helpful to read
- Child Bereavement UK supports bereaved children, young people and families through grief. They have in-person and online support groups. They also have a free helpline on 0800 02 888 40, or you can email helpline@childbereavementuk.org.
- Winston’s Wish provides grief and bereavement support for children and young people (up to 25) after the death of someone important. They have a helpline that you can call free on 08088 020 021 between 8am-8pm, weekdays. They also have a live chat feature on their website.
Books can be a good way to help children understand death and grieving. If you search online you can find lots of suggestions. Here is a list from Scholastic you might want to look at.
Take good care and keep reaching out,
Seaneen
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It is good your older child has begun to talk. I think it’s just important to make it possible to keep talking about that person, just as happy memories and maybe have some photos around. Not to remember the loss but to talk about them naturally. I’m so sorry for your loss. I think with your younger child it may just be about giving time and opportunities to chat x
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