Statistics show that one in seven children will experience the death of a loved one by age 10. Over 60% of grieving children worry that surviving parents or siblings will die, and almost 20% worry that they themselves will die.

“The concepts and the very language of adult loss are inadequate to capture the panic, pain, terror and confusion of a grieving child.”
— The Loss That is Forever

Grieving children tend to be the “forgotten mourners” and often feel disoriented, angry, frustrated, and guilty. When adults are overwhelmed with their own grief and emotionally unavailable, children are often left to grieve alone particularly as time passes. Children often question what is normal and may be uncomfortable with some of their emotional and behavioral responses, such as rage or even relief. The grief process can feel scary, chaotic and insecure; thus, children require a special kind of care during this difficult time in their lives. When early experiences with death are handled with warmth and understanding, they can provide opportunities to learn about life and living, as well as about death and dying.

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