Bereavement in Childhood

How to help

Why schools?

• Students spend most of their time in schools' settings.

• Schools provide insight into families’ relationships with these children throughout the grief process.

• Students' families also have a hard time.

Why schools?

• Schools' environments are safe, positive and supportive.

• Teachers are more professional in the field of developmental issues.

• Schools have more opportunities to integrate different kinds or useful community resources together.

How to Help?

• Provide help to bereaved students as soon as possible.Be willing to build positive relationships with bereaved students initially.

• Be sensitive to their changes, emotions and behaviors.

How to Help?

• Encourage bereaved students to face their experiences and feelings.

• Have one-to-one talk.

• Engage peers to care about bereaved students rather than to tease them.

• Seek for professional help if it is necessary.

Be aware of!• Students' families also need your help.

• Wait until your students are willing to talk about it.

• Do not show pity on them.

• Do not avoid talking about it!

Be aware of!

• Do not use vague words.

• Do not say, "I know your feelings.“

• Do not force your students. Be patient!

• Do not try to cheer up your students.

References

• Auman, M. J. (2007). Bereavement support for children. The Journal of School Nursing, 23(1), 34-39.

Useful books

• Doyles, R. (2008). Her mother's face. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books.

• Hest, A. (2007). Remembering Mrs. Rossi. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

• Moundlic, C. (2011). The scar.Somerville MA: Candlewick Press.

• Portnoy, M.A. (2004). Where do people go when they die. Minneapolis, MN: Kar-Ben Pub.

• Tangvald, C.H. (2012). Someone I love died. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook.