When tragedy overturns a child’s world, it’s up to his parents and caregivers to help him navigate the maelstrom of emotions — and the new reality,When Tragedy Strikes,When tragedy overturns a child’s world, it’s up to his parents and caregivers to help him navigate the maelstrom of emotions — and the new reality
No parents want their child to face tragedy. But with the right parental response and guidance a child can gain tools and depth for life. He can grow through his loss into an adult who is sensitive and empathetic
W e kiss their boo-boos and wipe away their tears. Whether we’re dealing with a scraped knee or an argument with a friend as parents we’re confident in our ability to smooth life’s rough edges and provide comfort and stability. But there’s one experience parents cannot diminish: death and bereavement.
No parents want their child to face tragedy. But with the right parental response and guidance a child can gain tools and depth for life. He can grow through his loss into an adult who is sensitive and empathetic. A child can be strengthened by the lifelong lesson that while grief may feel insurmountable it can be worked through and eventually transform into sweet sorrow and appreciation.
“There’s no textbook answer for how to support a child who has experienced tragedy” says Atara Weinstein a Jerusalem family therapist who specializes in working with adolescents and survivors of trauma. However she emphasizes there are useful contexts to keep in mind that can help a parent make educated decisions in supporting the grieving process. Specifically she suggests looking at the child’s state of development — physiological cognitive psychological and social.
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