Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a Loved One: A Guide for Grownups

by William C. Kroen, Pamela Espeland (Editor), Maria D. Trozzi (Foreword by)

Describes what children understand about death and how they grieve, and shares practical advice on answering their questions and helping them work through the grieving process

Genres: Psychology

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Anniette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although an older publication, this book is still so practical. It’s an easy read and it has been organized so that you can easily reference the age range that applies. As a mental health clinician who works with parents through grief and as a parent myself, I found this to be a great tool for understanding developmentally appropriate grieving in children and best ways to support them. It was a great addition to my personal and professional libraries.

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a really helpful resource for adults trying to help kids through death and grief. I just wish there was a newer edition that was more inclusive of all kinds of families. There’s a lot of info in the back that includes organizations and books, of the five organizations listed in the back under “Finding Help” only the first one is a defunct website.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely 100 page box about how children grieve at each developmental age, and how to help.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our close friends were tragically killed along with their 3 year-old son, last week. Their 3 year-old daughter is in critical condition.

We were looking for ways to discuss this with our son. I initially searched for a story book to read to him. I was very disappointed with what I came across. Nothing seemed appropriate.

A local bookstore recommended this book and I found it to be very helpful. The book clearly explains how children react to death from birth to 18 years of age. It gives very specific advice on the language that should be used when discussing this topic. I would recommend it to anyone who has to talk to a child about death.

[Maggie Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book for work. A short little volume with lots of practical guidance for approaching loss from a developmental perspective. Very helpful and informative.

[Amy Cottrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book with lots of easy-to-understand information and advice on helping grieving children. I think I will be referencing this book regularly. Recommended!