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Every child and young person will react to, feel and express loss differently, and this will change over time. There is no right or wrong way for a young person to grieve. 

When thinking about how to talk to your child about loss: 

• Explain what’s happened and discuss what it means 
• Use clear language 
• It’s okay not to have all the answers 
• Validate their feelings 
• Listen to how they’re feeling 
• Reassure them that you love them 
• Make sure they don’t blame themselves 

Especially with older children and teenagers, it’s okay to give them some space if they don’t want to talk. Sometimes it helps to just sit together quietly, or to offer a hand squeeze or gentle hug. Make sure they know you are there for them, and that it’s okay for them to open up to a relative, family friend or someone else they trust if they want to. 

Alongside talking to your child, it might help for you to speak to someone you trust about your own feelings of grief and the impact the situation is having on you. This can help to create the head space you need to be there for your child. 

This is a summary of an article published by YoungMinds at https://www.youngminds.org.uk/