WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SAD...

What you can do when a child is sad:

• talk about feelings, especially sadness and anger
• make sure the children's teachers and carers know your child may be upset
• be available for cuddles
• make sure that they know what has happened isn't their fault
• if death is involved, talk about it simply but honestly
• talk to your child about the person or pet they have lost and encourage them to talk too
• reassure them that it's OK for grown-ups to cry, but that you'll feel better soon and you still love them very much
• don't burden your children with your grief. Get help from other adults
• try to keep family routines going, as this helps children feel more secure
• get active! it can really help when we're sad or stressed
• try to end every 'sad talk' session with a bit of hope. Plan something special with your child-like playing with a friend.

Making memories:

• remember together the good and funny times. You can still laugh when sad.
• make a 'memory book' with photos, stories, drawings etc.
• as well as helpful storybooks, you might like to make up your own story about a similar situation and show how those people managed.

(These are taken from a Positive Parenting Course's notes)