Books adults supporting children

This book highlights that you do not need to be qualified to become a great help to a bereaved child. Common problems are addressed and the need to be open.

When Someone Dies, Questions Children Ask About Bereavement and Grief

Talking about Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child

A Child’s Grief: Supporting a child when someone in their family has died

Tracey Cusick and Simon Hepworth

ISBN-10: 0954260112 , · ISBN-13: 978-0954260118

The death of a friend or family member affects children just as much as adults; they grieve too but often without understanding what happens when someone dies. Adults may find it difficult to talk about death however it is important for a child to feel that there are adults are willing to listen to whatever they want to talk about and to answer their questions. This book is not faith-specific but does recognise that individual beliefs are relevant. This book was written as a result of direct experience of answering children’s questions after bereavement.

By Earl A. Grollman, 1991

Beacon Press, ISBN: 978-0807023631

This guide for parents recognises that many adults find it hard to honestly and openly explain death to children, especially when faced with their own grief. It includes quotes and examples from other parents and suggestions of what to say to a child as well as general advice.

By Julie Stokes, Diana Crossley, Katrina Alilovic & Di Stubbs. Winston’s Wish, New Edition 2008

ISBN: 978-0-9559539-0-3

A useful and informative introduction for any adult who is supporting a child through bereavement. Covering a variety of issues that may affect a child when a person close to them dies, both immediately and in the longer term, the booklet also offers practical activities to do together and a section on further reading and support.

BOOKS FOR ADULTS SUPPORTING A BEREAVED CHILD

Beyond the Rough Rock: Supporting a child who bereaved through suicide

By Diana Crossley & Julie Stokes, 2008 Winston’s Wish,

ISBN: 978-0-95139123-7-7

An information booklet offering practical advice for families where someone has died by suicide. It aims to give parents and professionals the confidence to involve children in discussions about the nature of death by suicide. It also includes activities for children to do with the family to stat making sense of what has happened.

The Forgotten Mourners

Susan C Smith

ISBN-13: 978-1853027581

A book raising awareness of the sensitive issues involved in relating to and assisting bereaved children. It contains additional information on secondary losses involved in bereavement and the effects of traumatic bereavement. Children grieve in the same way adults grieve - with the same range of emotions from feelings of shock and disbelief to numbness, despair, anger and guilt. Because children find it difficult to identify their emotions verbally, their reactions are often expressed through their behaviour. The book concludes with an outline of the types of services that exist for helping children cope with grief, including family work, group and individual work.

Toby’s Tiny Tot

By Jacqueline Savage

ISBN

A book for families to help children when faced with the death of a brother or sister tellng the story of Toby’s loss of a much wanted sibling.

When Someone Very Special Dies

By Marge Heegaard

ISBN 0962050202 / 0-9620502-0-2 ISBN 13: 9780962050206

A book to help children understand and express the many feelings they have when someone special dies

The Grandad Tree

By Trish Cooke, illustrated by Sharon Wilson

ISBN 0-7445-7875-2

A book about the cycle of life and the power of love when someone dies