What does a grieving child need?
The child needs a great deal of support and understanding. When the loss is someone very close, like a parent or sibling, others in the family may be too involved in their own grief to support the child. Counseling, groups, grief camps, and simply solid support from friends and family may be helpful. A local hospice may be a good source of information about available recourses. Kenneth J. Doka is a senior consultant for the Hospice Foundation of America and a professor of gerontology at The College of New Rochelle in New York. Professor Doka is the associate editor of Omega and the editor of “Children Mourning, Mourning Children” and “Living with Grief: Who We Are, How We Grieve.” Back to Top Copyright 2000, Educational Broadcasting Corporation/Public Affairs Television, Inc.
