Nursery World - Grief matters for children

Grief matters for children By Alison Penny, policy and communications co-ordinator, Childhood Bereavement Network

By Alison Penny, policy and communications co-ordinator, Childhood Bereavement Network

When Robert was a toddler, he wasn't told that his mother had died - he just heard that something 'terrible' had happened. He kept quiet and hoped she would come for him.

Babies, toddlers and young children bereaved of someone close have been described as the last group of forgotten mourners. Adults overwhelmed by grief or worried about making things worse may feel it's kindest to say nothing.

But even children who are too young to know what death means mourn the loss of someone close. Grieving children might not be able to say how they are feeling, but behaviour such as crying, bed wetting, or seeming less capable can indicate distress.

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