8 year old Bereaved

[mewmewpower]

Hi wonder if anyone shed some tips/advice. My 8 year has suddenly lost her nanna, she seems to have lost her sparkle and appears very low. We are trying to keep things as normal as possible, but is there any other advice/tips. It's heartbreaking for all us, but especially to an 8 year old who now understands death, but can't deal with it. Thanks

I'm so sorry.

How long ago did it happen?

Poor thing, sorry for your family's loss

I would say just talk to her, tell her it's ok to talk about her nanna and she can ask questions if she wants and try to answer as honestly as possible

Lots of hugs of course

There may also be some good books that MNers can suggest to explain death to children...?

I know there is a charity - Edward's Trust I think - in Birmingham, who help children with bereavement.

I lost my mum when I was 11 and it seemed to take me a long time to actually understand she was gone.

I felt like part of me was missing,that things that were fun couldnt be fun anymore,anything I did i was doing without her .

I dont know any special answers in fact im 35 now and still feel as bad,but i think it might help if you have some sort of special job for your dd to do for example a weekly job of choosing flowers for nanny's grave or to put by a special foto of nanny in your house,maybe and i know religion isnt for everyone visit a church I used to feel church was a 'common ground' for me to speak to my mum.

She passed away week ago last Saturday 27th. We are in shock and can't believe she's not here anymore

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and advice. I am going to do some research based on the above thanks again

Sorry to hear of your loss.

So it is extremely early days - you are all in shock and her reaction is very normal!

Talk about what is happening - show her your sadness so she knows it is permitted to talk and cry. Don't shy away from questions about what happens when the coffin is in the ground or in the crematorium.

Involve her in the practicalities too. Does she want to make a drawing to go in the coffin?

Children are very resilient and will cope with a lot as long as they are allowed to know and understand what is going on and have your support. Try not to worry too much.

Lots of strength and courage for the days and months ahead.