5 Tips for dealing with child trauma due to the death of a loved one

Overcoming child trauma due to the death of a loved one

In fact, the feelings that a child feels after the death of their closest person are actually quite profound compared to that of adults.

Almost some children show their emotions with sadness, anger, and anxiety. Some of them are often confused and try to understand what really happened.

In fact, not a few of the children felt guilty if their words or behavior caused the death.

This condition is actually quite normal when the death occurs to people they often meet even though it is only a neighbor.

Not much different from adults, children react in the same way when their pets die.

The point is, anyone or anything that goes away and is very close emotionally can cause trauma to the child. Therefore, it is your job as a parent to help overcome the trauma of the child due to the death of a loved one.

As reported by the Child Mind Institute website, there are several ways you can help children who are grieving, such as:

1. Make children feel safe

One way to help children deal with trauma from the death of their loved ones is to make them feel safe.

All children of any age may benefit if you try to calm them down. Whether it's with a hug or trying to cheer with a pat on the back.

This touch actually helps calm the child after experiencing an event that traumatized them. That way, the physical and emotional presence can be felt more by the children.

This method is quite effective for anyone, including children who have entered their teens who need support due to the death of their loved ones.

2. Maintain a routine

In addition to making children feel safe and comfortable, helping to deal with children's trauma from the death of their loved ones can also be done by maintaining existing routines.

This is so that the child's attention is distracted and not dissolved in sadness that might interfere with their life.

In addition, the habit that was always done before their trauma appeared at least to convince them that life will be all right.

For example, going to school including a routine that is important for the mental health of children or keeping the same rules in the family also helps them.

If your child is having trouble getting back to their daily routine, try to seek professional help.

3. Talk with children

Source: All Pro Dad

Talking with children is indeed the key in helping to deal with child trauma due to the death of a loved one.

At first it may be difficult to get your child to open up to her feelings, but you need to be patient. Gradually, they try to express how they feel about this incident.

By the time that day comes, try to make it appear normal as a casual conversation. There are several tips you can try to start this conversation about death according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Stop talking and provide support and comfort to the child
Don't forget to continue the conversation at another time
Tell the child that it is okay to express their feelings, such as crying
Show how you felt about this event
Listen carefully to the child
Avoid forcing children to talk about topics they avoid

Actually, there are many other tips when talking and listening to children when trying to vent their emotions. Maybe you and your child will stop in the middle, but try to be patient so they can successfully deal with the trauma caused by the death of a loved one.

4. Help the child traumatized by death to relax

After successfully getting children to talk about their feelings, helping to overcome the child's trauma from the death of a loved one can also be done by helping them relax.

For example, you can help your child relax by teaching them breathing techniques. Breathing well can actually reduce anxiety when the fear of trauma occurs in children. This is because breathing on the stomach can help them calm down.

Here are some steps you can take with your child to train them in breathing techniques.

Start by holding a wad of cotton in front of the child's mouth
Ask the child to exhale slowly while counting to three
Place the doll or pillow on the child's stomach while he is lying down
Have him inhale and slowly exhale
If the doll or pillow rises and falls slowly, it means that the child is breathing properly

5. Trying new activities together

Distracting your attention to help with your child's trauma does not necessarily mean re-adopting existing routines. You can try new activities with your kids, whether it's taking a class or visiting a playground.

This is because there are some children who use games or activities that involve creativity to express their sadness. For example, writing or drawing.

In fact, this method often makes children understand well about the feelings they are experiencing. However, don't forget to be careful to try to understand what they wrote or draw and don't jump to conclusions.

For example, a child drawing a picture that shows joy does not necessarily mean that they are not affected by the death.

The fact is that the child may not be ready for the grieving process that must be passed or in other words, reject the reality.

In addition, you may be able to vacation with your children and spend more quality time together to create new memories.

Helping to cope with the trauma of a child due to the death of a loved one is one way for them to understand that emotions need to be expressed. If you feel overwhelmed, ask a professional or a child psychologist for help so that your child can recover from their grief.