Child behaviour around bereavement

[Pettica]

I am a worried Nannie to a 9 year old girl who has just lost her daddy through stomach cancer. We understand the pressures she will be under through coming to terms with this but what is really concerning us is the amount of snacks she is eating, I assume for comfort but this is having a detrimental effect on her weight and if anyone mentions it she becomes defensive and accuses us of calling her fat. Who can we contact to obtain some help for her, any advice would be gratefully received, Many thanks

For now stop the snack buying and have healthier options for her. Then when she’s ready her mum can talk to her about whatever the child wants to talk about. Mum makes time just for the child and just be in her presence

Do you mean Nannie as in grandparent or one who’s paid to look after her? Ways to deal with it will be different depending on which one.

How does she seem to be coping generally?

winstons wish is a good place to start for child bereavement.

my DNiece died 4 years ago (aged only 15 months) her sister was 3 at the time. DN has also put a considerable amount of weight on and I’m sure the 2 are connected

sending big hugs, such an awful time for anyone especially a young child x

I’m her grandmother

I second Winston's Wish charity.

She is so changeable clingy to mommy one minute then quite aggressive but we were expecting this change of mood it’s the constant eating, she’s always saying she’s hungry yet has balanced meals including school lunches. I think earlier entry may be a good start, stop all snack buying but not sure if mom is strong enough at present. Thanks for support