Small People, Big Grief
Understanding Supporting Children Through Death, Loss & Change

About this Workshop

Children grieve too — but their grief may look very different from adult grief.

A grieving child may move in and out of their grief, ask the same questions repeatedly, express feelings through play or behaviour, or appear to return quickly to everyday activities. Their understanding of death also changes as they grow and develop.

This practical and accessible workshop will help parents, carers, grandparents, educators and community members better understand how children experience death and loss, and how adults can respond with honesty, safety and compassion.

Together, we will explore:

• How children understand death at different developmental stages
• Common grief responses in children
• Why children may revisit grief as they grow
• How grief can appear through behaviour, play, sleep or school
• What to say when someone dies
• Using clear, honest and age-appropriate language
• Supporting children through funerals and memorials
• Maintaining continuing bonds with the person who died
• Supporting children through significant non-death losses and change
• Recognising when additional support may be helpful

Who is this workshop for?

Parents, carers, grandparents, teachers, early childhood educators, school staff, volunteers, helping professionals and community members.