When young children grieve: daycare children’s experiences when encountering illness and loss in parents

Abstract

This study presents the insights gained from interviewing 12 parentally bereaved children aged 5–8. All were below six years of age when bereft. Participants were interviewed through Sandtray interviews. The study finds that children are developing an understanding of what it means to live with loss, but want truthful information about the illness of their parent, and to understand the loss. They value help from the remaining parent, but also appreciate the support from daycare staff and friends. Findings further highlight that under the right circumstances, children have much to contribute when it comes to understanding their support needs.