7 ways for parents to help children cope with bereavement

Losing a loved one is hard for anyone, but for a child it can be especially traumatic.

In a new documentary, Princes William and Harry have spoken out about how their mother Diana's death left them feeling "completely numb" and in a state of "disbelief". The brothers also reveal in Diana 7 Days, a BBC documentary to mark the 20th anniversary of her death, how their father Prince Charles supported them during this time.

Prince Harry said: One of the hardest things for a parent to have to do is to tell your children that your other parent has died. But here was there for us, he was the one out of two left and he tried to do his best and to make sure we were protected and looked after."

If you're experiencing the same difficulty of having to support a child through the bereavement process, there are things you can do to help.

Here, grief expert and counsellor Kruti St Helen guides you through the complicated process.

1. Make sure you are supported

If you're a parent or carer of a bereaved child, it is important that you are supported as well. It can be extremely difficult supporting someone when you are feeling vulnerable yourself, therefore support for you is crucial.

2. Talk about your feelings with them

Talk to your child about how you are feeling so that they learn that it's OK to feel the way that they do. Through you, they will learn that it is OK to feel angry, sad, hurt, be scared etc.

3. Listen to them

Allow the child to share their thoughts, feelings and concerns with you. Allow them to set their own pace in the conversation and let them do it in their own time.

4. Routine

It is important that after the death of someone close, that you keep their routine as regular as possible. Children feel safe with routines and it will also teach them that life does goes on even after the loss of a loved one.

5. Offer a private memorial service

A memory box is always a good idea. Let them put things in the box that remind them of their loved one. They can keep this box and go back to it whenever they feel they want to remember their loved one.

6. Boundaries

Do not be afraid to reinforce boundaries. A child is still a child and they still need boundaries.

7. Be patient.

Remember that bereavement and loss has no time limit and support may be needed for a long time.