How to manage a child’s emotions in the face of a loss?

When a child experiences a loss, what they need most is to be able to manage and transform the fear of the unknown and the anguish that may arise. When sadness appears, we can lovingly say to them: “I understand, I miss him/her a lot too…” They will feel welcomed, understood, and above all, not alone, if you dedicate this precious time to let them communicate with you. Remember that in speaking to them, your effort should constantly aim to restore a sense of security and trust. The goal is to give them a new perspective on life. What can help them in this moment is to choose a positive narrative for them, through which, for example, you help them envision life as something that can unfold in dimensions different from the one we know. We adults can guide the child, in a simple way, to come into contact with an idea of transcendence, where there are things we cannot see but that go beyond us. Many children create for themselves a meaningful narrative following their imagination, for example, telling themselves that the person who passed away has transformed into a butterfly or a star and occasionally comes to visit them. In any case, it will be important in communication to reach a place where the child, after sharing, for example, sadness or nostalgia, ultimately connects with hope and positivity.