Children and Grief

This research-based guide offers parents and caregivers a deeply textured understanding of how school-age children process the death of a parent, drawing directly from the landmark Harvard Child Bereavement Study. It moves beyond general advice to provide a clear portrait of the childhood mourning process, detailing the wide range of normal emotional and behavioral responses. The book carefully distinguishes between typical grieving and the specific factors that may indicate a child is at risk, offering a crucial roadmap for adult support.

What sets this resource apart is its authoritative, evidence-based approach, comparing the child's grief experience directly with that of their surviving parent to illuminate the family's dynamic. It is an invaluable tool for any adult—parent, teacher, or counselor—seeking to support a bereaved child with compassion and insight. By grounding its guidance in extensive interviews and assessments, this book ultimately empowers caregivers to help children navigate their loss and foster healthy long-term adjustment.