Helping Children Cope with the Death of a Parent: A Guide for the First Year (Contemporary Psychology)

The mourning of a parents death can take many years―for some it may take a lifetime. The first year of separation however is often the most difficult and heart wrenching. The first birthday holiday spring summer autumn and winter spent without the loved one often revives or increases the pain. This unique guide is organized according to a timeline of a childs first year of mourning the loss of a parent. It is a warm insightful yet practical guide to help the families and community members surrounding a child who has suffered such a loss to anticipate and cope with the many difficulties that arise. Practical suggestions for providing comfort information and advice are provided for adults struggling to help children endure the trauma. A range of difficult situations that bereaved children encounter are identified helping to prepare adults for a childs potential reactions and providing them with realistic coping strategies.Lewis and Lippman child psychologists who have provided therapy to children who have lost a parent suggest answers to questions that these children frequently ask. They offer methods for dealing with particularly difficult times such as birthdays and share practical advice for everyday situations and events. They begin with helping the child through anticipation of death if it is expected or through the initial shock of unexpected death. Poignant vignettes from the therapists experience dealing with young and older children are included.