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Home > Articles > Symptoms of Grief in Children
Children will often go through the same stages of grief as adults. In preparing to deal with grief, it is helpful to recognize the signs and symptoms. These include anger, guilt, depression, or attempts to rationalize the loss. Often children can't sleep or start to have trouble concentrating in school. One helpful tip after a loss of a pet is to inform the teacher to help better understand what the child may be going through.
Depression, anger, acting out, sleep disorders, eating disorders, lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, bullying, or other violent types of behavior all can be symptoms of grief in children. Sleep disorders with depression include a wide range of symptoms from sleeping all the time to not at all. This can also include nightmares that are so terrifying, it will wake the child up. Understand that this is just your child's way of assimilating trauma. With nurture and support, the symptoms should start to alleviate.
Very often with extremely stressful situations, children's appetites can wax and wane much like their sleep behavior. They may try to comfort themselves by constantly eating or may be too sad to feel like eating at all. If extreme weight changes occur, go to your pediatrician immediately.
Anger and violent behavior may occur at home and on the playground. This, of course, is an inappropriate manifestation of pent up confusion and fear the child is going through. If your child is experiencing and showing these dangerous signs, a trip to a child psychologist is imperative. Don't panic. Get professional help.
Our book in the care package will help you in dealing with such a painful process.
Pet Loss Support Page
www.pet-loss.net
Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement
www.aplb.org
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