Grief and Loss
These resources are here to support you during this challenging time.
Supporting Primary School Students
This series of short videos addresses the challenging topic of supporting your child through grief and loss. Change and loss are a normal part of life, but some changes, like the death of someone your child knows, can be challenging for a child. It's often hard to know how to help, and many of us feel unsure about the best way to respond. These videos are designed to give you some guidance on how to support your child.
- Video 1 - What Is Grief?
- Video 2 - How To Talk About Death
- Video 3 - How To Support Your Child
- Video 4 - Explaining What A Funeral Is
In this first video, we explore what grief is, how children may respond to it, and how you can support your child in understanding loss.
In this video, we explore how to approach conversations with your child about death, and what to keep in mind when doing so.
In this video, we explore practical strategies to support your child as they navigate grief, offering guidance on how to provide comfort, encourage open communication, and help them feel safe and understood during a difficult time.
In this video, we explore what funerals involve and how you can help your child make sense of them. We’ll look at ways you can support them through this ongoing journey.
Resources
You may like to use these worksheets when talking to your child.
Draw Your Feelings
Click here for the worksheet - Draw Your Feelings
‘When someone we care about dies, it can be hard to find the right words to explain how we feel. That’s normal. One way we can begin to share those feelings is through drawing.’
‘Before we start, let’s take a deep breath together. (Pause for a slow breath in and out.) Whatever you feel is okay.’
‘Draw your feelings. You can use colours or shapes, whatever helps show what’s inside.’
‘Can you tell me about what you drew. If you don’t feel like talking, that’s okay too. I’ll be here to listen whenever you’re ready.’
Validate their feelings: ‘It’s okay to feel sad/angry/confused.’
‘Feelings can change. They might be very strong some days and softer on others. Drawing can be one way to let them out. Would you like to keep your drawing somewhere safe, or should we put it away together? Would you like to do something fun together?’
My Favourite Memory
Click here for the worksheet - My Favourite Memory
‘Sometimes, when we lose someone, it helps to remember the good times we shared. These memories can bring comfort and remind us of the love that will always stay in our hearts. Can you share with me one of your favourite memories?’
‘Close your eyes for a moment and think about a time with [ xxx ] that makes you smile.’
‘Would you like to talk about that memory, draw or write about that memory?’
‘When you’re ready, can you share your favourite memory with me?’
‘Thank you for sharing such a special memory. Remember, even though [ xxx ] isn’t here in the same way anymore, the love and the memories are always part of you. They’re something no one can ever take away.’
‘Would you like to keep your drawing somewhere safe, or should we put it away together?
Would you like to do something fun together?’
Things I Will Miss
Click here for the worksheet - Things I Will Miss
‘When someone we care about dies, there are often many little things we miss.’
‘Close your eyes for a moment. Picture [ xxx ]. What comes to mind first?
What do you miss most about them?
Are there certain times of day, places, or activities that feel different now?’‘You can use this worksheet to draw or write what you will miss or we can talk.’
‘These are really special things to remember. Even though [ xxx ] isn’t here in the same way, the love you felt and the memories you made are still part of you. We can look at this list whenever you want to feel close to them. ‘
‘Would you like to keep your drawing somewhere safe, or should we put it away together?
Would you like to do something fun together?’
Support Services for Families
Parentline is a free service available in NSW. It is a counselling and support service for parents and carers for children aged 0-18. Phone Counselling is available on 1300 1300 52
They are open from 9am to 9pm weekdays, 4pm to 9pm weekends. You can also call and leave a message outside of our opening hours, and they will get back to you when they are next open.
Griefline is a free service that telephone support nationwide 365 days a year. Their phone support sessions are secure and confidential and available to adults aged 18 years and over. You can contact their helpline between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week on 1300 845 745.
New South Wales Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511
It is a free service staffed by trained mental health professionals who can offer mental health advice and make recommendations for appropriate care, including referrals to NSW Health mental health services in your area.
Further Information
MacKillop Seasons
Supporting children through grief
https://www.mackillopseasons.org.au/knowledgebase/article/KA-01087
Emerging Minds
Understanding and supporting primary school-age children who have experienced grief and loss
https://emergingminds-cdn.b-cdn.net/content/uploads/2022/08/16142629/Loss-and-grief-primary-Aug-22.pdf
Grief Australia
Children and Grief (Primary School)
https://www.grief.org.au/ga/ga/Content/Information-Sheets/Grief_and_Children_Aged_6_12.aspx
Neurodiversity and grief: unique challenges of a universal experience
https://www.grief.org.au/ga/ga/Grief%20Perspectives/neurodiversity-and-grief-unique-challenges-of-a-universal-experience.aspx