Latest Comprehension Articles
Ages and Stages
The way in which children may respond to the death of their brother or sister is influenced by many factors. These include the meaning of the relationship (protector, rival, ally, only sibling, playma...
A Guide to Help Your Grieving Children
“We tell children about the birds and the bees but we don’t really let them know about what happens when they stop flying. Death is a part of life and when people stop thinking of it as a taboo su...
Saying Goodbye - The Funeral
After the sudden and unexpected death of a child, it can be very difficult for you to make decisions around what is best for your surviving children. Should they be given the opportunity to say ‘goo...
Having to Say Hello and Goodbye Too Soon
Early pregnancy loss When there is an early pregnancy loss, or miscarriage, it may be difficult for you to know what to tell your children. The task may be especially troubling if you have chosen t...
When a Baby or Young Child Dies Suddenly and Unexpectedly
When a baby or young child dies from SIDS, accident or sudden onset illness, the following guidelines may help you in supporting your other children:
Ways to Help Your Other Children
It is possible to reassure your children that you will be okay, even though you are sad now.
Getting Through Your Day
Next to the death of a parent, the death of a brother or sister can be the most traumatic event to occur in a child’s life. When a child dies, most of the support from family and friends is focussed...
Your Beliefs
Taking time to listen to your child respects and validates his or her opinions and beliefs and provides a starting point for further conversations about what your child may believe happens after you d...
The Bond of Subsequent Children
It seems clear that the brothers and sisters of a child who has died, whether they were born before or after the tragic event, feel a bond with this child. If you decide to talk to your subsequent chi...
Telling Subsequent Children
“One thing that terrifies me about having another child is to have to explain what happened.”1