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.