Comfort with Touch. Where appropriate, there is nothing more reassuring than a loving touch. A hand on the shoulder, an embrace, a hug, holding the small child on your lap as you watch a movie together can speak volumes when words fall dreadfully short. When affected deeply by a loss, children can often slip back to earlier stages of development and act out their neediness and fear with whining, incessant requests to be held, and sneaking into the bed of their parent(s). Like adults, when frightened and depleted, children are more likely to be intolerant of frustration and disappointment. Stress takes its toll by making them more anxious than perhaps they’ve been in a while. Unless other factors complicate the case, this is a very common response and will usually fade with time.

Be Reassuring. Let your child know that you’re there for them. Death makes us all afraid and that fear can project itself anywhere. This is especially true for children who don’t yet have the means to take care of themselves

Be A Power Of Example.  Take the initiative in expressing your grief, fear and pain in loss. Accept your child’s feelings and help her express herself even if he or she is angry at the deceased for leaving. There is no “right” way to feel, though it is right that we do feel.

Warning Signs. Most traumas have a pronounced impact for approximately 6-8 weeks and then begin to subside. This is a partial list of behaviors that may indicate your child is having trouble adjusting to the loss and could benefit from a professional consult.
            1. Dramatic or persistent change in eating or sleeping.
            2. Lethargy or large drop in energy.
            3. Hyper-anxiety or persistent irritability.
            4. Chronic lack of concentration and drop in school performance.
            5. Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
            6.  Explosive temper tantrums.
            7. Chronic physical complaints.