Adam Clark's List: Grief and Loss Resources

Talking to children about death must be geared to their developmental level, respectful of their cultural norms,
and sensitive to their capacity to understand the situation. Children will be aware of the reactions of significant
adults as they interpret and react to information about death and tragedy. In fact, for primary grade children adult
reactions will play an especially important role in shaping their perceptions of the situation.

"One of the tough challenges a parent faces when a child dies is to learn how to parent the surviving children, and the task begins immediately, according to York University psychology professor Stephen Fleming."

"Trauma never goes away completely,” I responded. “It changes perhaps, softens some with time, but never completely goes away. What makes you think you should be completely over it? I don’t think it works that way.” There was a palpable sense of relief as my mother considered my opinion."

Useful handout for students and adults struggling with grief and loss.