Support from the network

See if people close to you can help, such as family or friends. This is nice if you are grieving yourself. Your child may feel that he or she is not alone. If you take good care of yourself, you can also take better care of your child. 

Information and tips for grief counseling             

On websites of the Netherlands Youth Institute en DELA you will find information about grief. There you will read how to help children cope with grief when someone has died. 

Supporting children through loss, what is important?

Open communication

• Tell honestly what happened, in a way your child understands 

• Give space for all questions and emotions 

• Keep mentioning the deceased's name in conversations 

Creating engagement

• Let your child participate in the goodbye in a way they are comfortable with 

• Look at pictures together or tell great stories about the person who died  

• Let your child do something with his feelings, such as drawing, writing or making music 

Provide safety

• Live according to normal daily structure as much as possible 

• Tell that everyone grieves in a different way, and that this is okay. 

• Help your child understand that grief is part of life