Chapter 4: Supporting children
Reactions by age and stage
I didn’t know what to tell my children about what happens after death. I read somewhere that it was okay to say that we were still connected with our loved ones who die and that we could still talk to them if we wanted. I think that helped them to stay connected with their grandpa and to remember him.
The following information may help you in understanding and supporting your own or other children. Click each tab on the left to reveal information for each age group.
Sometimes young children go back to behaviours they grew out of.
Children aged 4 to 6 may worry that something bad could happen to you or them.
Some may ask for more detailed explanations and want to understand what happened, while others carry on as though nothing happened.
Children aged 7 to 12 may have more complex reactions, depending on their relationship to the grandparent who died.
Teenagers can also experience a variety of feelings that include confusion, compassion, sadness, and grief.
Sometimes young children go back to behaviours they grew out of.
Children aged 4 to 6 may worry that something bad could happen to you or them.
Some may ask for more detailed explanations and want to understand what happened, while others carry on as though nothing happened.
