Children’s Grief Handbook

Resource Guide for Educators in Early Childhood Programs

Compiled by Lisa Beltran

Problem

Some Child Development Centers are not armed with resources in helping bereaved children and families.

Some believe that children under the age of five do not experience grief or loss

What is Grief? Grief is the natural reaction to loss. Grief is both a universal and a personal experience. Individual experiences of grief vary and are influenced by the nature

of the loss. Some examples of loss include;

Death of a loved one Ending of an important relationship Loss of a pet Loss through friends moving away Parents or a loved one in the military

Divorce.

What does Grief look like in Young Children?

Infants: Crying more than usual Searching Become anxious as a result of a separation Weight loss Fear Failure to thrive

Toddlers

Change in Sleep and Eating Habits Sadness Anger Acting out behavior Regressive behavior Delayed milestones Little or reduced verbal responsiveness

Preschoolers

Crying Clinging Magical thinking that the person can reappear Acting and talking as if the person is still alive Confusion Irritability Guilty

Preparing for the unexpected

Children’s Grief Handbook Resource Guide for Educators in

Early Childhood Programs

What is included ? What is grief ? What grief looks like in Infants, toddlers and

preschoolers Bibliography of developmentally appropriate books Developmentally Appropriate Activities Resources articles for educators and families Community Resources (websites and contact

information)

Questions ?