Talking to children about death | PC #3.8
“For adults grief is like wading through this enormous river whereas for children it’s puddle jumping, but when they’re in that puddle it’s no different to the river.”
– Julie Stokes, Winston’s Wish
Learning Objectives:
- To explore perspectives and experiences for children, teens and families dealing with death and dying.
- To learn strategies to support and guide caregivers through the process of communicating with children and teens about illness and dying.
- Identify needs and opportunities to prepare and include young people
Shaindy Alexander, BA, CCLS at the Hospital for Sick Children
Shaindy Alexander has been at SickKids for 18 years practicing as a Certified Child Life Specialist. In 2018, she joined PACT as one of the Grief Support Coordinators and is now providing psychosocial support in the community for children and families followed by the palliative care team at SickKids. She is passionate about supporting youth and families and advocating for them to be included and supported through their illness journey.
Resources Mentioned in Session
- Virtual Hospice
- Kids Grief
- Dr. Jay’s Grief Centre
- Dougy Centre
- Mind Your Mind
- Children and Youth Grief Network
- Winston’s Wish
- Talking about Death with Children Who Have Severe Malignant Disease
Helpful children’s books:
- Life is Like the Wind by Innes Shona
- My Love will Follow you there by Carla Garrett
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
- I Miss You by Pat Thomas
- Living Dying by Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre
- The Gift of Gerbert’s Feathers by Meaghann Weaver
- The Next Place by Warren Hanson
Session Materials
You must be logged in to view this content.