Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a Loved One

Issue- Bereavement

Author- William C Kroen

Age Range- 3-16+

Keywords- bereavement

This is a book for the parents of grieving children. Kroen gives clear, practical advice on understanding what a child from infancy through to 18 may know and feel when faced with the death of a loved one. The book begins by offering practical advice on answering children's questions and helping them work through the grieving process. The book breaks down the ages of the children to make it easier for the reader to access the parts relevant to them, if understandly, they have little time to read the whole text.

The book uses advice, information and case studies to convey a strong message that coping with death is a very important part of a child's life. To understand death, pass through the stages of grieving in a healthy way, and to carry on effectively are essential to a child's well being.

The book steadily explores the process of grief from the first devastating days, through commemorating the loved one and eventually through to moving on with life. It highlights the specific strategies we can use to guide and support children through this process and uses anecdotes about real children and their families.

Although the language and style of this book is quite American, the book is very accessible and a very easy read.