June 27, 2024, 10:30 a.m.
When children lose a loved one, it can be hard and it’s important to be supportive. Children of different ages cope differently, and while you know your child best, it’s also crucial to give them the space they need to grieve. Don’t force them to talk when they’re not ready.
Mini Tandon, DO, a Washington University child and adolescent psychiatrist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, encourages parents to give their children different outlets for grief, including:
- Drawing
- Listening to music or writing a song
- Creating a memory scrapbook
If you notice your child is becoming more depressed, and that their depression lasts several weeks to a month or more, then it’s time to ask your pediatrician for help. Need help finding a pediatrician? We’re here to assist. Learn more about what factors to consider when choosing a provider.
