The loss of a child is devastating. No amount of awareness of the impending loss can prepare a parent or other family member for when it actually happens. Parental grief has been described as being more intense than grief in response to other losses, regardless of the age of the child.
Parents may have been providing care for months or even years. Many families will have cared for their child at home. This can be exhausting, overwhelming and emotionally draining. Some parents though have also described it as a positive experience.
When a child dies, this caring role ends. It is a period of great change and conflicting emotions.
Following the loss of a seriously ill child, those who have been in supportive roles during the child’s illness, such as hospital staff and paediatric and palliative care teams will no longer be directly involved. Bereavement services and other supports may be available but the relationship with staff will change.
Other children in the family can be deeply affected by loss and grief. They may display a wide range of emotions and behaviours. They may have difficulty with their own grief, especially in light of the overwhelming grief of the adults around them. Members of the extended family and friends may feel an immense sense of loss. Many will want to help but won’t know how.
Resources
Related CareSearch pages
Children and grief and loss
How to help the family carer
I don’t know what to say
This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011.*