A Handbook of Children’s Grief

As it feels as if more and more children experience a significant bereavement - whether from a pandemic, a mass accident, a disaster, war or terrorism - adults owe it to them to provide soundly based advice on how to cope. At present, most models of intervention are badly adapted ones based on some understanding of adult bereavement. The so-called "stages of Grief" disguised the reality that there are many ways adults grieve - and it is even more so with children. This timely handbook is written by two exceptionally well experienced professionals. They target advice to other professionals and especially also to parents. Normal and abnormal grief are discussed in settings including the family and school. Insightful text is followed by advice on practical help. Adults need to be open in their discussions and provide information on grief and bereavement at an appropriate level. Their role is to be sensitive and supportive of the grieving child. No longer to well-meaning medical personnel need to reach for inappropriate psychotropic medication. Parents, mental health professionals and teachers can invest in this handbook instead.

This book is eminently practical and comprehensive in its approach. Written by two world leaders in the field of child loss and grief, the book navigates the various trajectories of loss, grief, and healing and provides attuned guidance for caregivers, families, teachers and schools, and communities, and effective coping strategies at the 'right time and place' for children.

Written by international experts, this highly readable handbook distils the authors' many years of experience with up-to-date research findings to provide sound and sensitive advice for adults who are helping children to navigate their grief. An invaluable resource for parents, carers, teachers, and other professionals.