Building Bridges for Grieving Children and Their Families Andy McNiel, MA, LPC
Feb 24, 2016
Building Bridges for Grieving Children and Their Families
Andy McNiel, MA, LPC
“…being at the bottom of the ocean…everything is
foreign to you and you feel like you don’t belong and
you are all alone.”
“…a big empty hole in your heart…a void that
cannot be filled.”
“…a bad dream…really your worst nightmare. You just
can’t believe it is happening to you.”
“…a ship that has lost it’s anchor and is tossing about
on a chaotic ocean.”
Childhood Grief: Cultural Beliefs
“Children are resilient.”
Children want to be resilient• Kind Loving Adults• Discipline• Acknowledgement
“Kids can be so resilient if we as
parents help them instead of
ignoring the issue of grieving.”
National Parent’s Poll - 2011
Childhood Grief: Cultural Beliefs
“Let’s talk about something else.”
Avoidance = Alone• Respect Boundaries• Provide Opportunities• Answer Questions• Share Stories
Childhood Grief: Cultural Beliefs
“You have to talk about it.”
Overbearing = Intimidating• Personality/Temperament• Being Present• Let the Child Lead
Childhood Grief: Cultural Beliefs
“You can’t handle the truth.”
Lying = Mistrust• Tell the Truth• Age Appropriate
Childhood Grief: Cultural Beliefs
“Time heals all wounds.”
Time & Action
“Children do not ‘get over’ their loss after a few years, because every new milestone in their life reinforces the
loss that they have endured.”
National Parent’s Poll - 2011
"A person's a person, no matter how small.“
-Dr. Seuss
We do not have the power to…
…remove grief and pain
We do have the power to…
…walk with others…share life with others…encourage others