A Child’s Grief: Supporting a child when someone in their family has died

By Julie Stokes, Diana Crossley, Katrina Alilovic & Di Stubbs.

Winston’s Wish, New Edition 2008 ISBN: 978-0-9559539-0-3         

A useful and informative introduction for any adult who is supporting a child through bereavement. Covering a variety of issues that may affect a child when a person close to them dies, both immediately and in the longer term, the booklet also offers practical activities to do together and a section on further reading and support.

 

Grief in Children: A Handbook for Adults

By Atle Dyregov, 1 Edition 2008

Jessica Kingsley Publishing ISBN: 978-1843106500

This is a very practical and useful book written for adults to help them understand how children feel when someone important in their life dies. It covers areas such as children’s grief reactions at different developmental levels, sex differences and different types of death. It makes many useful suggestions about how children can be helped to cope with their grief in an open, honest and positive way.

 

Talking about Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child                                                  

By Earl A. Grollman, 1991

Beacon Press, ISBN: 978-0807023631

This guide for parents recognises that many adults find it hard to honestly and openly explain death to children, especially when faced with their own grief. It includes quotes and examples from other parents and suggestions of what to say to a child as well as general advice.

Sad Book  

Written By Michael Rosen, Illustrated by Quentin Blake. Walker Books Ltd 2008

ISBN: 978-1406313161

We all have sad stuff - maybe you have some right now, as you read this. What makes Michael Rosen most sad is thinking about his son, Eddie, who died. In this book he writes about his sadness, how it affects him and some of the things he does to try to cope with it. Whether or not you have known what it's like to feel really deeply sad, its truth will surely touch you.

 

And When Did You Last See Your Father            

By Blake Morrison, 2006

Granta Books, ISBN: 978-1862079083

The book tells of how Dr Morrison’s life slowly slips away during the last few weeks of his life. Interspersed with this are the authors recollections of his father, who whilst being a difficult man at times, always remained a loving husband and father. The author is at all times open and honest - sometimes brutally so - and lays open his feelings for all to share. One of the strengths of the book is that whilst it is about the death of a loved one it never gets too mawkish or sentimental and remains at all times a good read.