{"id":29,"date":"2025-11-11T10:35:34","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T10:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/?page_id=29"},"modified":"2026-01-12T21:33:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T21:33:33","slug":"dealing-with-bereavement-and-loss","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/dealing-with-bereavement-and-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Dealing with bereavement and loss"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>Talking to children about grief and loss<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Breaking the news about a death to a child is never easy, but it\u2019s important they know and feel heard and supported by you in the process. Here are some tips to help:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Try to be as honest and open as possible about what has happened.<\/li>\n<li>Use age-appropriate language so it\u2019s easier for them to understand.<\/li>\n<li>Use concrete words \u2013 for example, say \u2018died\u2019 or \u2018death\u2019<\/li>\n<li>Dont use using euphemisms like \u2018gone to sleep\u2019 or \u2018passed away\u2019<\/li>\n<li>Listen to them &#8211; it\u2019s ok not to have all the answers right now<\/li>\n<li>Answer the questions you can in a calm and consistent manner<\/li>\n<li>Be patient \u2013 they may need to hear the answers several times to process it<\/li>\n<li>Use storybooks, toys and play to help explain what has happened<\/li>\n<li>Let them know that they can talk to you at any time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-128 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/uploads\/sites\/20847\/2026\/01\/12212736\/shutterstock_627402740-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"206\" height=\"137\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/uploads\/sites\/20847\/2026\/01\/12212736\/shutterstock_627402740-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/uploads\/sites\/20847\/2026\/01\/12212736\/shutterstock_627402740-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/uploads\/sites\/20847\/2026\/01\/12212736\/shutterstock_627402740.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You may find the clips below helful:<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Talking to children who are bereaved\" width=\"474\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vUS89lFr0XA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Remembering someone special who has died\" width=\"474\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ep0JULEo0s0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Supporting your child when someone dies | Place2Be&#039;s Parenting Smart\" width=\"474\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/E2XyHfUa3xE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Explaining funerals to children: what happens at a burial?\" width=\"474\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zFtKdvLJ-L4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3>How do we move forward?<\/h3>\n<p>How children understand and express loss will depend on their age, developmental stage, past experiences and connection with what they&#8217;ve lost.<\/p>\n<p>Strong feelings can be overwhelming for children. Some might get quiet and withdrawn, while others might express their feelings through challenging behaviours.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes your own grief will make it difficult for you to support your child. It can be helpful to make time to look after your own wellbeing and seek support when you need it.<\/p>\n<p>You may find this clip helpful:<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Invisible Suitcase: understanding grief and how to manage it | Child Bereavement UK\" width=\"474\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wmzy6fRLcCU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Here are some helpful links ;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.d-exy.com\/\">https:\/\/www.d-exy.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youngminds.org.uk\/parent\/\">https:\/\/www.youngminds.org.uk\/parent\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegoodgrieftrust.org\/find-support\/for-young-people\/\">https:\/\/www.thegoodgrieftrust.org\/find-support\/for-young-people\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/winstonswish.org\/supporting-you\/grief-support-young-people\/\">https:\/\/winstonswish.org\/supporting-you\/grief-support-young-people\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.barnardos.org.uk\/get-support\/support-for-young-people\/mental-health\/relationships\/coping-grief-loss\">https:\/\/www.barnardos.org.uk\/get-support\/support-for-young-people\/mental-health\/relationships\/coping-grief-loss<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childbereavementuk.org\/\">Child Bereavement UK<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-header\">Adult Supports for Loss, Change and Bereavement<\/h3>\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<p>Please see below some supports that you may find helpful if you are experiencing loss, change or bereavement.<\/p>\n<h3>Clip<\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Grieving Process: Coping with Death\" width=\"474\" height=\"267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gsYL4PC0hyk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h4>Helplines<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.petalsupport.com\/\">Petal Support<\/a>\u00a0provides counselling to people who have been affected by the loss of a family member or partner to homicide or suicide in Scotland. They are also providing additional counselling for those who have been affected by a COVID-19 bereavement.<br \/>\nCall\u00a0<strong>01698 324502<\/strong>\u00a0during office hours<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-421\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122210\/Petal-.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"121\" height=\"89\" data-attachment-id=\"421\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/mental-wellbeing\/adult-supports-for-loss-change-and-bereavement\/petal\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122210\/Petal-.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"270,197\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Petal\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122210\/Petal-.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122210\/Petal-.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childbereavementuk.org\/supporting-bereaved-children-and-young-people\">Child Bereavement UK<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 provides support for anyone who has lost a child, and for children themselves who are bereaved. The Helpline is operating as normal, Monday \u2013 Friday, 9am \u2013 5pm (except Bank Holidays). \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Helpline:\u00a0<a href=\"tel:0800%2002 888 40\">0800 02 888 40<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Chat via website and email\u00a0<a>support@childbereavementuk.org<\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-419 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122113\/child-bereavement-UK.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"119\" height=\"119\" data-attachment-id=\"419\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/mental-wellbeing\/adult-supports-for-loss-change-and-bereavement\/child-bereavement-uk\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122113\/child-bereavement-UK.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"225,225\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"child bereavement UK\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122113\/child-bereavement-UK.jpg\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122113\/child-bereavement-UK.jpg\" \/><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland<\/span> \u2013 provide free care and bereavement counselling to people suffering from grief. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Tel: 08088026161. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Email: support@crusescotland.org.uk \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.googleadservices.com\/pagead\/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChcSEwiC5vbFvYfvAhVP0-0KHSFyBZ8YABAIGgJkZw&amp;ohost=www.google.co.uk&amp;cid=CAASEuRoCJdFXvyI7kX1nvkZGFXnAQ&amp;sig=AOD64_2zXKBC83--RzBbs5WAivGRdqPkWA&amp;q=&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX7vDFvYfvAhVSt3EKHZ07BnAQqyQoAXoECAMQFA&amp;adurl=\" data-al=\"1\">Live Chat \u2013\u00a0<\/a>9am \u2013 9pm Monday \u2013 Friday<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-420\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122130\/cruse-scotland.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"114\" height=\"63\" data-attachment-id=\"420\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/mental-wellbeing\/adult-supports-for-loss-change-and-bereavement\/cruse-scotland\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122130\/cruse-scotland.png\" data-orig-size=\"250,139\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"cruse scotland\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122130\/cruse-scotland.png\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/uploads\/sites\/17166\/2021\/02\/26122130\/cruse-scotland.png\" \/><\/p>\n<h5>Self Help Guides<\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/illnesses-and-conditions\/mental-health\/mental-health-self-help-guides\/bereavement-and-grief-self-help-guide\">NHS Grief Self Help Guide<\/a>\u2013\u00a0This guide uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to help cope with the experience of grief. There are also tips taken from other kinds of therapy, including interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and different types of grief therapy. You might recognise some of these techniques and some of them will likely be new to you.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/information-support\/guides-to-support-and-services\/bereavement\/support-and-self-care\/\">Mind Self-Care \u2013\u00a0<\/a><strong>Coping with the loss of a loved one is always difficult, especially when it is not expected. It can take time to understand your feelings and adjust after the loss has happened, but there are things you can do help yourself cope. For example, it can help to:\u00a0<span class=\"quote-heading-3 text-blue\">\u201cIf I knew then what I know now, I would have prioritised looking after my own needs.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Talking to children about grief and loss Breaking the news about a death to a child is never easy, but it\u2019s important they know and feel heard and supported by you in the process. Here are some tips to help: Try to be as honest and open as possible about what has happened. Use age-appropriate &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/dealing-with-bereavement-and-loss\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Dealing with bereavement and loss<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4925,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-29","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4925"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":140,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29\/revisions\/140"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}