Helping your child cope with grief, what do you do next? Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the hardest things to go through with life. Therefore, it is very important to help your child cope with grief. It is especially hard when you have a child dealing with grief.
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Why Should You Be Helping Your Child Cope With Grief?
One of the hardest things for me to do was to tell my son that his uncle had passed away and he is no longer here on Earth. Now he is in Heaven resting with God, it was time for him to go, he is now in a better place. How can you tell that to your child? In the event, I had to develop the strength to tell him.
As a mother you shouldn’t have to be helping your child cope with grief
Overall, it was the hardest thing in the world for me to do. In fact, I did not want to break my son’s heart. His grandmother couldn’t deliver the news to him because her heart was already broken into pieces from losing her son. So how could she tell my son that her son had died and his favorite uncle had died and he is no longer here with us.
As a result, that burden was placed upon me so I only did what I knew how to do. My son’s father couldn’t tell him because he had lost his brother. Yes everything fell upon me instantly! Praying was my only option. That is what you should do by helping your child cope with grief.
What Are Your Next Steps?
However, you should talk to your child and be there for them. You’re probably thinking how I could I talk with my child while dealing with grief myself? Two weeks after that my uncle passed away which my son loved dearly. So death is all I knew from watching my mother die in front of my face while I was talking to her at 8 years old. Then losing my grandmother to breast cancer by the time I was 11.
Of course I felt like I wasn’t qualified from dealing with all those deaths since I was a child. Although it saddens me dearly to watch my child hurt. At that very moment in my son’s life being there for him was the best I could do to help him get through grief.
Be Strong and Be There for Your Child
Although my son is exceptional in other things, he was really struggling with the death of his uncle. Yes he was in panic and shock mode, he was really hurt and sadness was all over him. It was hurting me because of how sad he was, all I could feel his hurt and pain.
Finally I develop the strength to talk to my son by helping him coping with his grief. Next, I took him to his favorite restaurant, talked to him and allowed him to express his feelings to me. We prayed, he cried, and told me how much he loved his uncle. His uncle meant so much to him, it was like his second father and he truly was going to miss him.
Take Time Out To Actually Listen to Your Child
While your child is speaking, listen to them silently and be there for him. Let them know you understand, you are listening to them and that you will always be there for them. Keep praying for your child to get through the process of coping with grief. Allow God to enter their hearts and listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance to help you through the process as well.
Be Still and Know God Has A Purpose For Everything
Even though it may be hard for the both of you, be still, be calm and realize that God is in the midst of everything. Sometimes things may happen in our lives we might not understand but God knows what’s best for us. Remind your child that God has a plan for them and a purpose over their lives to help them get through the grief.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Speak Bible Verses Over Your Child Life
Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Pray For Your Child
Pray this prayer over your child:
Lord thank you for blessing my family and I. Protect us, keep us safe, help us get through this tough time in our lives. I pray for peace over my child, renew my child’s mind, give my child the strength and courage to get through this. God we love you so much, we are nothing without you, we believe in your son Jesus Christ. We believe He rose from the dead on the third and He is the personal savior in our lives. Thank you for giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit so we can hear you speak to us on daily basis.
Jesus we love you so much, surround my child with your angels to help them get through the grief of losing a loved one. We know that person is now in a better place, give my child peace to ease their minds. My Lord Jesus Christ, be with my child every step of the way so that your presence will always be with them.
In Jesus Name I Pray,
Amen
Are You Still Struggling As A Parent Coping With Greif?
It is okay you are still struggling, continue to pray so you can get through it with your child. Even though you are still struggling please be careful so you will not allow the spirit of depression or anxiety take over your life. If you need help, take counseling or therapy for you and your child. You should also get my workbook “Dealing With Anxiety & Depression.”
Also I’m not a therapist but I do offer spiritual counseling sessions for women as a Christian Spiritual Life Coach. Trust me I know it is hard because I have been there myself with my own child coping with grief. So it is possible by helping your child cope with grief and getting healed from it. If you want me to help you get through this then you should be book a spiritual coaching session and sign up on the intake form.
Beautiful post and so helpful! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome Danielle!
Sound advice. Your child should grow into their own feelings. We should be here to help guide them, but only they can feel what their little hearts feel.
Hello Patrick! That is so true, we should help and guide them!!!
great tips
Thank you Jimmy!
That is something that I have thought about before, how I will tell my kids when a loved one passes. Now I have a better way to approach that moment when it comes. I loved your prayer. Thank you very much!
Hello Santiago! Thank you for your comment and you’re welcome for the prayer!!! Glad I was able to help you!!!
This is an informative post on helping children cope with grief. It is a part of life that children may have to experience. I will keep all of your excellent advice in mind if/when this happens to our family.
Hello Dana! Yes I’m so it helped you and to keep my ideas in mind when it does happen!!!