💔 Supporting Children Through Bereavement

When someone close passes away, it can be difficult to know how to talk to children about death. Their understanding depends on age, personality, and experience — and it’s okay to feel unsure.

🧩 At our school, Mrs Butcher (Inclusion Lead) is a specially trained bereavement contact. She's here to help support both you and your child during difficult times.

👶 How Children Understand Death at Different Ages

Children’s understanding of death varies depending on their age and development.
🎥 Watch this helpful video from Child Bereavement UK:
👉 Understanding grief by age

🗣️ How to Talk to Your Child About Death

• 🗨️ Be open and honest: Use clear words like “died” instead of confusing terms like “gone away.”

• ❓ Answer their questions: It's okay not to have all the answers. Repeating questions helps children process.

• 👂 Listen and reassure: Let them know it’s not their fault and that their feelings are okay.

• 🤗 Share your emotions: Showing your own grief helps children feel safe expressing theirs.

• 🕯️ Mark the goodbye: Light a candle, write a letter, release balloons, or plant something meaningful.

• 📦 Create a memory box: Photos, drawings, clothing, letters, perfume — anything that helps remember.

• 📅 Acknowledge anniversaries: Birthdays and holidays can be tough. Plan ways to remember together.

• 🧘 Take care of yourself: The more supported you feel, the more you can support your child.

• 🛤️ Offer choice and timing: Support is not “one size fits all.” Let them choose how and when to engage.

📚 Children’s Book Recommendations

Books can be a gentle way to explain death and encourage conversations:

For Younger Children:

• “Goodbye Mog” – Judith Kerr
  🐱 A gentle story about saying goodbye to a beloved pet.

• “Always and Forever” – Alan Durant
  🦊 A warm tale about remembering a loved one who has died.

• “The Invisible String” – Patrice Karst
  ❤️ A beautiful metaphor for connection even when someone is no longer here.

• “Water Bugs and Dragonflies” – Doris Stickney
  🐞 A helpful way to explain death using nature.

For Older Children:

• “Sad Book” – Michael Rosen
  😢 A personal and honest reflection on grief and sadness.

• “When Someone Very Special Dies” – Marge Heegaard
  ✍️ A workbook-style book for expressing feelings and memories.

• “The Memory Tree” – Britta Teckentrup
  🌳 A comforting story about loss, memory, and legacy.

🧠 Many of these books are available in our school library — please ask if you’d like to borrow one.

🌈 For Children with Additional Needs

Children with SEND or Autism Spectrum Disorder may need extra support.
🎥 Watch this video from Child Bereavement UK for guidance:
👉 Supporting children with SEND

🌐 Helpful Resources & Support

💬 Young Minds

Resources for young people and parents
🔗 Visit Young Minds

🌻 Cruse Bereavement Care

Free support and advice for all ages
🔗 Visit Cruse

🐞 Daisy’s Dream

Support for children affected by illness or bereavement
🔗 Visit Daisy’s Dream

📚 Additional Support Links

A wide range of charities and services for different kinds of grief
🔗 UKSOBS – Support Organisations

🧩 You’re Not Alone

📞 Reach out to Mrs Butcher, our Inclusion Lead, if your child is affected by bereavement.
Whether it’s support, guidance, or just someone to talk to — we are here for you.