Knowledge Centre · 08
Children & young people's grief
Children grieve too, often in bursts and in their own way. Honest, age-appropriate words and a lot of reassurance help most. These resources offer gentle, practical guidance.
Quick answer
Children grieve in their own way. Use simple, honest words such as 'died', answer questions as often as needed, and keep familiar routines. Child Bereavement UK and Winston's Wish offer specialist guidance and free leaflets.
What happens, step by step
Use simple, honest words
Clear language — 'died', rather than 'lost' or 'gone to sleep' — helps children understand and feel secure.
Let them ask questions
Answer honestly and repeat as often as they need. It is fine not to have every answer.
Keep routines
Familiar routines and reassurance that they are loved and cared for help children feel safe.
Use trusted resources
The guides below are written by specialists in supporting bereaved children and young people.
Resources & official links
HSC Bereavement Network
Supporting Children & Young People Through Grief (PDF)
A regional guide to helping children and young people through bereavement.
Child Bereavement UK
Downloadable resources
Free leaflets and guides for grieving children, young people and families.
Child Bereavement UK
When Someone Special Dies (free leaflets)
Leaflets to help explain death to children of different ages.
Winston's Wish
Downloadable resources
Practical resources for supporting bereaved children and young people.
Winston's Wish
A Child's Grief (PDF)
Understanding how children grieve, and how to help them.
Winston's Wish
Suggested reading list
Recommended books to read with grieving children.
Need help now?
If someone has died or you are unsure what to do next, David Crymble & Sons Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day. We can guide you step by step — whether the death has happened at home, in hospital, in a care home, or elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Should children attend the funeral?
There is no single right answer. Many children are helped by being included and prepared for what to expect. The resources below can help you decide together.
How do I explain death to a young child?
Use simple, concrete and honest language, and be ready to repeat it. The leaflets from Child Bereavement UK and Winston's Wish are written for exactly this.
Where can young people get support?
Winston's Wish and Child Bereavement UK both offer dedicated support for children and young people.
Should children attend the funeral?
There is no single right answer. Many children are helped by being included and gently prepared. The resources below can help you decide together.
What words should I use with a child?
Simple, honest words such as 'died' help children understand. Be ready to answer the same questions more than once.
Related guides
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Reviewed by: David Crymble & Sons
Sources: official guidance from NI Direct, HSC NI, MoneyHelper, Marie Curie, Cruse and the relevant councils, where applicable.
This page is for general guidance only. Requirements can change, so please check with the relevant official organisation or contact David Crymble & Sons for help.