Preschool Children and Grief in Ypsilanti

Have you lost someone recently?
 
Has a major tragedy cast a shadow over your life?
 
How do you cope with grief?
 
This is an important issue. Equally important is how the children in your life are coping with that same grief. When you lose a friend or family member, it can be hard to find time to deal with your feelings and to help your children do the same.

Little Angels is proud to serve preschool Ypsilanti children and their families, and we understand that it can be a stressful process to counsel a grieving child. However, there’s always a lesson that can be learned. As a parent it’s important that you let your child know as a family it’s important to be there for one another. This is a teachable moment for children on how to deal with stress and to teach sympathy/empathy.
 
Grief is as natural for children as it is for adults, but it can often show itself in different ways and for different amounts of time. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, preschool age children usually view death as temporary and reversible. It may be some time until they accept the loss in their life as final.
 
Avoid the temptation to keep the truth from your children, as painful as it may be for you and them. Children can pick up on subtle signs, and often know when you’re lying. Being truthful with your child builds a connection of trust and allows you to be there for them to talk about their feelings.
 
Children’s grief can display itself as anger in the form of rough, aggressive play, irritability, and nightmares. The child may also temporarily “regress,” speaking and acting younger than they are, while demanding food or attention. Young children believe they are the cause of what happens around them, and may blame themselves for the death, leading to depression and withdrawal. Just remember that each child copes in his or her own unique way. Negative behaviors can be expressed but you should discourage them from becoming long term habits.
 
You only want the best for your child. We want the best for them too! The National Alliance for Grieving Children reports that grieving children often feel less alone when they can be with other kids who have experienced loss. For preschool Ypsilanti children, we recommend Ele's Place, a healing center for grieving children and teens. Four branch locations support families throughout the Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Flint and Lansing areas and beyond. You can learn more about them on our Online Resources page, under the “Parents” menu.
 
If you’re looking for more resources to teach your child about grief read these books recommended by The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).