The third important foundation for their future is having a loving, understanding adult who can make them feel safe and secure. Children need to receive confident reassurance from a trusted adult that, despite the distress they are feeling now, everything and everyone will be OK in the long term. If a surviving parent is not able to provide this, either because of their own grief, or for any other reason, it is important that another safe, familiar person is able to take on this role, until the parent can do so themselves. A sensitive grandparent, other relative or close friend may need to fill this role for a time, without usurping the role of parents, or making them feel inadequate.
Not all bereaved children need counselling. However, any concern over a child’s behaviour following the death of someone close to them, may mean appropriate professional help, advice and reassurance could be helpful. Grief as a reaction to significant life events, the death of a loved person in particular, is one of life’s most painful experiences. During these times, most of us find benefit in compassionate understanding and support. This is what the NCCG provides in a variety of ways: face to face counselling, email or phone support, and written material.