Factsheet 37: Needs of bereaved children

To be able to talk about the person who has died.
To have the right not to talk about them if feelings are too raw at the time.
To have their privacy respected.
To be allowed to have and display photos of the person who has died.
To have special mementoes of the person who has died, such as an item of clothing, a piece of jewellery, a lock of hair, or something that was special for that person.
To be able to make a memory book/box if that is important to them.
To have people talk about that person naturally, thereby tacitly acknowledging that the relationship will continue forever, even though the person has died.
To be able to acknowledge and celebrate as appropriate, occasions that were special to that person, or to the family.
To have time out from grieving – to spend time with friends.
To have things to look forward to. For example, holidays, special outings, treats and developmental milestones.
A parent or other caregiver who explains whatever is happening at the time – to be told the truth, simply.
To be included in family grieving and other significant events.
To feel valued and important.

Factsheet reproduced from Dianne McKissock’s book The Grief Of Our Children with the express permission from The National Centre for Childhood Grief.