Supporting children through loss and grief

About this pathway

Loss and grief are normal parts of life, but they can be complex and confusing for both children and adults. When a child experiences a loss, parents are often concerned about what to say and do.

This pathway is for parents seeking ideas, strategies and confidence to support their children as they navigate grief after a loss of any type. It is based on the latest evidence about what supports children’s mental health and wellbeing, and it was developed together with:

parents of children who have experienced various types of loss
health professionals who support children and families experiencing grief.

Some content and examples in this pathway focus on grief following death of a loved one, but most recommendations are helpful for children who have experienced any type of loss.

There are other Families Hub pathways that focus on supporting children after a disaster, when parents separate and when a child has a chronic physical illness or injury (coming soon), which address the loss and grief children can experience in those situations.

In the following video (51 seconds), child mental health professionals and parents share how this pathway can help. After the video, keep reading for important information about this pathway and how to get the most out of it.

Modules

Module 1: When a child or family experiences loss

15 minutes

Consider how you are navigating grief and loss and take a moment to reflect on your own needs, parenting and the importance of getting support.

Module 2: Understanding your child’s and family’s experiences

15 minutes

Be guided to notice your own, your child’s and your family’s experiences of grief and loss, including what’s similar and different in how you are each managing these experiences.

Module 3: Talking with children about loss or death

15 minutes

Consider how you might talk to your child about death (and other types of loss) and read tips for communication to help children make meaning and support their mental health.

Module 4: Supporting your child through grief

15 minutes

Be guided to notice how loss and grief may affect different aspects of your child’s daily life and consider strategies and ideas to support their mental health during this time.

Module 5: Getting more support

15 minutes

This module will help you identify supports outside your family and ways to strengthen your child’s support team. It also includes information about when and how to access professional support if you are concerned about your child’s mental health.

Supporting children through loss and grief

About this pathway

Modules

Module 1: When a child or family experiences loss

Module 2: Understanding your child’s and family’s experiences

Module 3: Talking with children about loss or death

Module 4: Supporting your child through grief

Module 5: Getting more support

Start this pathway

Urgent help