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Original poster

Helping DS cope with the death of his best friend

9 replies

Sequinsglitter · 08/10/2018 08:36

7 year old DS's best friend passed away 3 days ago after being very ill. It's his first time loosing someone, at least at an age where he's able to understand. He's been very quiet so far and hasn't said much about the situation. He didn't want to go to school today so i let him sleep in as he struggled to get to sleep last night. I want to let him talk in his own time but at the same time i don't want him to ignore how he feels which he often does

OP posts:
Haireverywhere · 08/10/2018 08:44

Sorry to read this. How awful.

Have a look on Cruse bereavement website and Barnados too for tips on how to support him and books to talk through a bit at a time.

Dobbythesockelf · 08/10/2018 08:45

I am so sorry for your ds. When I was a similar age one of my friends died very suddenly. The thing that helped me was talking about it and feeling listened to. If I wanted to cry, scream or shout my parents made it a safe place to do so. I got very scared about being ill, and didn't sleep well for awhile but it did get easier with time. I know it's cliche but kids are resilient. Just make sure you are there for him, don't push him but also don't let him refuse to talk. It's a horrible thing for a child to experience. Flowers

NoNameIdeas · 08/10/2018 08:47

So sorry to read your post. The charity winston's wish are beyond amazing, have a look. There are a few picture books but most are focussed around the death of grandparents; Badgers parting gifts is one of these. Sending both hugs x

Branleuse · 08/10/2018 08:52

oh god, how awful. Your poor ds. I hope the school or GP can provide specialist counselling

Original poster
Sequinsglitter · 08/10/2018 21:23

Thank you for the advice, I've looked at some of the books and will probably order a few and see how it goes

OP posts:
Haireverywhere · 08/10/2018 22:08

Best of luck.

dontknowwhattodo80 · 10/10/2018 16:10

Ah your poor little boy Sad

Were they school friends? Just wondering if school are planning on / able to provide any form of support?

Original poster
Sequinsglitter · 10/10/2018 19:00

They were school friends and he went in today, his teacher was very understanding and said he could sit outside if he needed to get away for a bit

OP posts:
NWQM · 12/10/2018 18:27

For what it's worth it sounds as if you are doing a great job helping him come to terms with it. Are school planning anything?

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