Supporting Children Through Grief: Helping Young Hearts Heal
When a loved one passes away, grief touches every member of the family, including children. While adults may understand the permanence of death, children process loss differently. Their reactions often depend on age, maturity, and personality. Some may ask endless questions, while others remain quiet and withdrawn. At Westbrock Funeral Home, we know that supporting children in Dayton, Kettering, and surrounding communities through grief requires patience, honesty, and compassion.
How Children Understand Loss
Children’s understanding of death develops in stages.
- Young children (ages 3–6) often see death as temporary or reversible, like in cartoons. They may believe the loved one will return.
- School-age children (ages 6–12) begin to grasp that death is permanent but may struggle to put their feelings into words.
- Teenagers generally understand death in the same way adults do but can feel overwhelmed by emotions they may try to hide.
Recognizing these developmental differences helps families respond with the right level of support and reassurance.
Common Reactions to Grief in Children
Children do not always grieve in predictable ways. Some signs may surprise parents or caregivers:
- Sudden mood swings or irritability
- Regressing to younger behaviors, such as bedwetting or clinging
- Difficulty concentrating at school
- Physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches
- Acting “too grown up,” taking on responsibilities to help ease the family’s pain
These reactions are normal responses to loss. The key is creating space for children to express themselves in healthy ways.
How Families Can Offer Support
Helping children navigate grief begins with openness and reassurance. Here are some practical approaches:
Be Honest, Yet Gentle
Children need truthful explanations about what has happened. Avoid phrases like “gone away” or “gone to sleep,” which can cause confusion or fear. Instead, use clear, age-appropriate language, while offering comfort and safety.
Encourage Expression
Every child expresses grief differently. Some may want to talk, while others may find it easier to draw pictures, write stories, or play games that help process emotions. Encourage them to share memories or create small rituals of remembrance, such as lighting a candle or keeping a photo nearby.
Maintain Routines
Daily routines like school, sports, or family dinners provide children with a sense of security and predictability. While grief is disruptive, structure gives children something steady to hold onto.
Model Healthy Grief
Children learn by example. If they see adults expressing sadness, sharing stories, and finding ways to honor their loved one, they understand it is okay to grieve openly. Let them see that tears and laughter can coexist in the healing process.
Seek Additional Support
Some children may benefit from counseling, peer support groups, or special programs designed for young people experiencing loss. Books created for children can also help start conversations about grief.
Local Resources for Families in Dayton and Kettering
At Westbrock Funeral Home, we can connect families to trusted grief support resources in the Miami Valley area. Whether it is a children’s support group, a licensed counselor, or recommended reading for parents, we believe no family should have to navigate this journey alone.
Remembering Together as a Family
Involving children in remembrance activities can be deeply healing. Simple gestures such as writing letters to the loved one, planting a tree, or creating a memory scrapbook can give children a tangible way to honor the person they have lost. These rituals help children feel included and remind them their grief is important too.
Closing
Every child’s grief journey is unique, and healing takes time. By offering love, patience, and honest communication, families can help young hearts find comfort after loss. At Westbrock Funeral Home, our mission goes beyond arranging services. We are here to support your entire family in both grief and healing.
If you would like to learn more about our services or grief support resources, please reach out to us anytime:
- Dayton Location: 1712 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, OH 45410 | 937-253-6161
- Kettering Location: 5980 Bigger Road, Kettering, OH 45440 | 937-434-6161
You may also visit us online at
WestbrockFuneralHome.com for additional information and resources.