Accompagner l’enfant en deuil

With the death of a loved one, a child sees a complete shift in its universe It is important that those who surround the child are attentive and ready to provide help in the experience and expression of grief. This practical guide has been produced by the staff of the As’trame Foundation, which has been supporting children and their families through grief for over twenty years. It is designed for parents and childcare professionals, and addresses a number of practical questions: How should you announce the death of a loved one to a child and answer their questions? How should you prepare them for the experience of the funeral? What are the different reactions to grief, from early childhood to adolescence? How can you reassure a child? How can you help a child to experience their emotions? How can you live in the present whilst preserving the memory of the deceased? This guide also covers the grieving process that parents go through. TABLE OF CONTENTS The grieving child’s environment Grieving: what that changes for a child Possible reactions shown by a grieving child A child’s grief, by age The grieving adolescent Funerals and rituals Emotions The needs of a grieving child The adult grieving process: some guidance Experiencing grief in the family