How to Help Children Cope With the Loss of a Grandparent

Posted by: Kelly Ryan in Grief and Guidance | September 23, 2022
The death of the Queen of England was, understandably, a significant event for all the countries in the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth. The interest around her passing sent the media into overdrive – there was no shortage of people who were interested in the events leading up to her final resting place – some of that interest was positive, some negative, and all aspects of politics and the monarchy were discussed and debated.

We saw dignitaries, everyday citizens and various members of her family for nearly two weeks straight. But in all the discussion around politics and the monarchy, the only time it was mentioned that she was a grandmother, and a great grandmother, was when we saw pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For many of us, the death of our grandma or grandpa will probably be our first exposure to death, most likely our first time losing someone we love.  Thankfully, for almost all of us, when we lose a grandparent or great grandparent, we will not have to mourn with hundreds of millions watching our every move as Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren and great grandchildren had to endure.  

Be Open and Honest About What They are Going to Experience

The shock of losing a grandparent, even if that person had been ill for some time, is going to be hard for a young person to handle – even if they’re in their early 20’s - because it is the first time they’ll deal with death. So, take the time to walk them through the process, as candidly and openly as you can. Ask them to help with the planning of events around honoring their loved one if possible. If they’re younger, be patient with them as they may ask the same questions repeatedly. For them, death is so foreign, so sudden and so permanent that persistent patience is needed so they feel that their whole world isn’t upside down.

If there is going to be an open casket as part of the service(s), take the time to prepare your young person. Seeing their loved one in a casket can be both overwhelming and stunning, and you may have to determine if they’re just too young to go through the experience. If you think they can handle it, prepare them for it – let them know that their loved one is no longer in pain or suffering – and at the viewing, they may think the person is asleep. Prepare them so they understand that their loved one may look very different than they did while living but remind them that they are still the same grandparent they once knew so well.

Explain to them the etiquette around an open casket ceremony. Make sure they know to give each person approaching the casket space to say a prayer or simply say their goodbyes. When it is their turn to approach the casket, do so respectfully. Let them know it isn’t okay to touch or try to hug the body as it won’t be the warm embrace they’re used to. Accompany them throughout the visitation, allowing them to release all their emotions after they’ve said their prayers and goodbyes at the casket. 

Talk About Their Favorite Memories and Stories of the Deceased

Throughout the entire process, that first week and the days that follow, remind them about all the good times and fun they had with their grandparent. Share in those memories and encourage them to keep sharing with as many family members and friends as possible. Keep reminding and preparing them for all the events until everything is complete. Conversations around the events and their memories are so important as they go through their grieving process.

Listening and comforting them will be essential, especially in that first week or two, and in the days and weeks ahead. While you may be grieving as well, try to stay calm and use simple words in your conversations with them. Don’t expect them to get over the loss quickly – everyone's grieving process is different – and if you went through the loss of a grandparent when you were young, share that experience with them.  

Continue to Offer Support Long After the Services have Finished

While the first week or two after their loved one’s passing is extremely challenging for a young person, they’ll need your support in the weeks and months ahead. Don’t rush their process, as we noted everyone grieves at a different pace, as in many cases it takes time to come to terms with the loss of their grandparent or great grandparent.  

Seek Professional Help for the Child if Needed

If it is needed, because the child appears abnormally upset and isn’t coping with the grief of their grandparent, they may best be served by speaking to a medical professional. There are also a myriad of online resources to help with their grieving process.  
 
What tips do you have on helping a child cope with the loss of a grandparent? Share below in the comments.


367 Comments

H

Hellspins

December 2

Hellspins shows a stable flow during regular use. Pages open quickly and the layout keeps movement straightforward which helps maintain focus. Bonus features activate without odd steps and the platform responds predictably when switching between sections. The overall environment feels calm and consistent making it suitable for routine sessions where a clear structure matters more than extra visual effects.

V

Vipzi

November 30

I find the live roulette tables at Glory Casino particularly entertaining. The layout is easy to follow, and odds are clearly displayed. I like that the platform encourages responsible play with simple budget tools. It creates a more relaxed and controlled gaming experience. Try it here https://glory-casino-bangladesh.icu/

j

jackpotpiraten

November 29

Jackpotpiraten app feels solid from the first tap. The interface loads quickly and everything stays clear, which makes the start smooth even when you only have a few minutes. Games open fast and the navigation stays predictable which helps keep the focus on playing rather than figuring out menus. It’s a good fit for times when you want simple access and a calm easy‑going session.

P

Patterson

November 26

Boomerang online casino gives a steady first impression because the platform loads cleanly and the layout stays clear even during quick visits. It works well when you want direct access without navigating through extra steps. Games open smoothly and nothing feels crowded which helps maintain a calm pace. It suits users looking for a predictable environment that keeps the focus on the experience rather than on distractions.

C

Cazeus login

November 21

I tried cazeus login and the experience felt steady from the first moment. The page loads quickly the layout stays clean and moving through each section feels natural even if you’re new. There’s no noise or pressure just a smooth flow that makes the platform easy to use. If someone wants a calm reliable entry point into the site cazeus login works surprisingly well.

F

Fabio

November 20

I cleared the first two deposit bonuses without insane grind. Wagering is 40x bonus+deposit which is standard. Stick to slots (not all are 100%, check the list). I turned $200 into $1400 and cashed out after about a week of casual play. RoboCat Casino paid it no questions asked. Just don’t play table games on bonus money or you’ll void it.

W

Wefred Zero

November 5

WHAT CAN I DO TO RECOVER MY STOLEN BITCOIN? CONSULT // GEO COORDINATES RECOVERY HACKER

I have read a lot of stories about people losing money to investment scams. I too have been a victim of this scams. I lost about $700 in Bitcoin some months ago, I searched around and tried to work with people ,unfortunately I was scammed as well. This happened for months until I came across GEO COORDINATES RECOVERY HACKER. I would first want to thank GEO COORDINATES RECOVERY HACKER for their professional support and unshakable devotion, which resulted in the successful recovery of my money. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of such services. Details for getting in touch: Email:



Email: geovcoordinateshacker@gmail.com


Website; https://geovcoordinateshac.wixsite.com/geo-coordinates-hack


E

Eva

October 31

I consistently return to Rideau Carleton Casino. Being an established local brand gives me confidence in their security and fair play. Their verification process was straightforward, and I've always received my withdrawals promptly. For fellow Canadians looking for a reliable gaming experience with proper regulation, this has been my most trusted choice for stress-free entertainment

k

kronskymikhail

October 19

This piece handles such a delicate topic with empathy and clarity. I like how it emphasizes openness and patience when helping children face grief—especially the idea of keeping memories alive through shared stories. It’s a reminder that healing takes time and connection. Finding small ways to relax or unwind can also help adults recharge emotionally. Personally, I take breaks on https://locowins.org where light entertainment helps me reset before offering deeper support.

M

Michelle Summers

October 3

My recent visit to 20 bet left me truly impressed. The design is sleek, the atmosphere engaging, and everything runs so smoothly that it feels effortless to explore. What stood out most was the variety and attention to detail that make the site both exciting and reliable. It’s rare to find a platform that combines fun with comfort so perfectly.

R

Ram chauhan

September 22

Browse our JouwWeb site
featuring curated content and resources tailored to your needs.

R

Ram chauhan

September 22

Check out our Canva-powered page
a creative space for educational updates and engaging content.

R

Ram chauhan

September 22

Explore GoDaddy site
showcasing insights, services, and brand information.

R

Ram chauhan

September 22

Visit on Taplink
your one-stop destination for resources, connections, and offers.

R

Ram chauhan

September 22

Discover official bio site
a quick hub for all essential links and updates.

f

football-bros

September 17

scrandle is a fantastic site, especially for fans of word games. It cleverly combines elements of Sudoku and Scrabble, offering a unique challenge. The interface is clean and easy to use, and a new puzzle is available every day. If you want to exercise your brain, it's definitely worth checking out!

f

football-bros

September 17

football bros is a great soccer mini-game site with a simple and easy-to-use interface. It cleverly combines guessing games with a soccer theme, offering a fresh and fun way to play. If you're a soccer fan who enjoys a good brain teaser, this site is definitely worth checking out—it's a perfect way to relax while exercising your mind.

Recommended For You

How to Cope When Burial Ceremonies Have Been Postponed Due to Winter Weather
November 22, 2022
Obviously, there is no good time for a loved one to pass. The ability to cope with that loss is different for everybody,...[Read More]
How Hagrid’s Advice Can Help You Feel Connected to Your Loved One
October 19, 2022
It was a sad day, October 14, 2022, when beloved actor, Robbie Coltrane, passed away. Most widely known for his role as ...[Read More]
Grief Awareness Day
August 26, 2022
Grief manifests in each of us differently. Some of us try to isolate ourselves whereas some even make jokes about their ...[Read More]