Supporting your child when someone dies

6min read

When you have lost someone through death, a partner, child, family member or friend, it may seem overwhelming to offer support to your child. The loss experienced will have changed everything and each family member will be trying to make sense of what has happened in their own way. Children and young people may need some help with this:

  • Try to talk to your children honestly and explain what has happened in a way that they can understand. They need information and reassurance.
  • Try to talk to the children about the funeral. Including them and giving them choices will help them to remember and say goodbye.
  • Talk about the person who has died - include your children in remembering.
  • How children grieve will depend on their age and their understanding of events.
  • Your children’s grief may be shown in behaviour and they may be distraught one minute and playing happily the next.
  • Inform the school about the child’s loss.
  • Trust your instincts as a parent and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
  • It’s OK for you and your children to feel sad, angry, confused, empty, guilty, anxious and many other emotions – and it is OK if you don’t.

Further help

Childhood Bereavement Network - can signpost to local and national support services

Winston’s Wish - for grieving children and their families

Cruse Bereavement Care 

Child Bereavement Trust Information for bereaved families

After the death of a child:

Child Death Helpline For anyone affected by the death of a child 

The Compassionate Friends Support for parents and families when a child has died 

Parent in prison

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  • The Outsiders - Telling the Children

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  • The Outsiders - Living with Separation

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  • The Outsiders - Preparing for Release

    This booklet discusses the issues for families as they prepare for the release and resettlement of a family member from prison. It provides helpful and practical information on some common hopes and fears expressed by both the person in prison and the family on the outside. Featuring quotes from ex-prisoners and their partners, the booklet covers issues ranging from the practicalities of finding employment to getting to know each other again and re-establishing a relationship.

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Last updated: October 2022