Mind the Gap: A Guide for Parents and Carers of Bereaved School Age Children and Young People

Abstract

Everything in this booklet is drawn from what we learn in our work with bereaved children, families and professionals within their communities. Death is an inevitable part of life and grief is a universal human process. We cannot shield children from the reality of death or from the pain of their loss. What we can do is accompany them on their journey through trauma, loss and grief with informed support, encouragement and resources. The purpose of this booklet is to provide information that will help parents and carers to accompany bereaved children on their journey so that children are not alone in their grief. We hope that reading this booklet will help parents and carers feel more confident about distinguishing between what is normal and what is a little more concerning in grieving children, and how adults can help.