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Grief (actual/anticipated): How can you care for your child?
- Encourage rest, healthy food, and activity. Healthy behaviors may help your child cope.
- Comfort your child. Familiar surroundings and special items, such as photos or a loved one's favorite shirt, may give your child comfort.
- Encourage your child to stay involved in everyday life. Don't let your child withdraw from the activities your child enjoys. Staying in touch with other children at school, church, clubs, or other groups can help your child.
- Think about getting individual counseling or putting your child in a support group. The school counselor at your child's school can also provide counseling and support for your child.
Grief (actual/anticipated) in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You're worried your child can't stop from hurting themself or someone else.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child feels sad a lot or cries all the time.
- Your child has trouble sleeping, or sleeps too much.
- Your child finds it hard to concentrate, make decisions, or remember things.
- Your child changes how they normally eat.
- Your child feels guilty about the death or loss.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.