Holiday Grief: Answering our Kids’ Tough Questions

Content warning the following story is about bereavement in the context of the approaching Christmas holidays. Listener discretion is advised.

 

We’re into the thick of the summer break now, and as we do our end-of-year reflections, there’s something that isn’t talked about much during this period, which is grief. When families gather, the empty chair at the dinner table, the unused coffee mug, is definitely more noticeable. Children experience these complicated emotions far more often than we’d like to admit; it’s already a difficult concept to process, and talking to inquisitive children about it is harder still. Dr. Lauren Breen, Professor of Psychology at Curtin University was on the Thursday Daily to explain more.

 

If holidays are a tough time for you because you’ve lost a loved one, Griefline is available 7 days a week at 1300 845 745.

If your child needs additional support, Kids Helpline is 1800 551 800

Lifeline is also available 24/7 at the toll-free hotline 13 11 14