HOW CHILDREN GRIEVE

All children grieve differently. They may express anger, fear, guilt, repetitive behaviour and sorrow. Paradise Kids knows behavioural problems can result in underperformance at school and disruptions in relationships. Later in life they can become illness, alcoholism and drug abuse.

HOW TO RECOGNISE A GRIEVING CHILD

Emotional feelings: shock/denial/numbness - lack of feelings - fear - regression - loss/emptiness - disorganisation/panic - explosive emotions - guilt/self-blame

Physical changes: tiredness/lack of energy - skin rashes - hyperactivity/restless - prolonged sleeping - headaches - difficulty with sleeping - shortness of breath - excessive appetite - lack of concentration - lack of appetite - reduced muscle strength - stomach pains

Behavioural changes: over-dependence on parent - regression to baby talk - desire to sleep with parent - breakdown of peer relations - taking on sick role/school avoidance - desire to be rocked or nursed - inability to be separate from parent - requests for help with tasks normally done alone

These changes will usually decrease with time and expression, but help should be sought if they are particularly intense or continue over a prolonged time.

HOW PARADISE KIDS HELPS

Parents and other carers may attempt to shield children from the pain of feelings associated with the loss. In contrast, Paradise Kids helps by supporting the grief and healing process of both children and parents, and by teaching parents how to support their children who are grieving.