Supporting a Grieving Child: Caregiver Guide
A caregiver psychoeducation handout with six practical tips for supporting grieving children, plus space for children's questions and caregiver self-support.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Caregiver psychoeducation
- Approach / concern
- Grief & Bereavement
- Technique
- Caregiver psychoeducation
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Supporting a Grieving Child: Caregiver Guide?
Caregivers play a central role in children’s grief. Clear communication about death, predictable routines, emotional openness and inclusion in rituals help children cope, while caregivers also need support for their own grief.
Why it works
Research on parentally bereaved children emphasizes honest communication and the surviving caregiver’s functioning (Worden, 1996). Support programs for bereaved children and caregivers show benefits (Bergman et al., 2017).
When to use it
- Families after a death
- School staff supporting a bereaved student
- Anticipated deaths in the family
- Pet loss with young children
How to use it in session
- Review the six tips with caregivers.
- Practise honest language about death.
- Plan answers to common questions.
- Discuss inclusion in rituals.
- Identify caregiver supports and when to seek help.
Clinician tips
- Adapt explanations to developmental stage.
- Children may re-grieve at milestones.
- Caregivers’ wellbeing strongly affects children’s adjustment.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Should I hide my tears from my child?
Showing some sadness can teach children that grief is normal, while reassuring them you’re still there to care for them.
When should a grieving child see a therapist?
If grief significantly affects sleep, school, behaviour or mood for an extended period, or the death was traumatic.
References
Worden, J. W. (1996). Children and grief: When a parent dies. Guilford Press.
Bergman, A.-S., Axberg, U., & Hanson, E. (2017). When a parent dies: A systematic review of the effects of support programs for parentally bereaved children and their caregivers. BMC Palliative Care, 16, 39.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
