How can children begin to understand death and cope with bereavement? And how can we, as adults, support and engage with children as they encounter this complex subject? Exploring how children and adolescents can engage with all aspects of death, dying and bereavement, this comprehensive guide looks at how children comprehend the death of a pet or someone close to them, their own dying, bereavement and grieving. It covers how you should discuss death with children, with a particular emphasis on the importance of listening to the child and adapting your approach based on their responses. The book offers guidance on how your own experiences of loss can provide you with models for your interactions with children on the subject of death.

What is death? -- Grief and bereavement -- Challenging factors influencing grief -- What should we tell children and adolescents? -- Schools coping with bereavement and death -- Funerals: the attendance and participation of the child or adolescent -- Continuing care of the child and adolescent -- Care of the carers including ourselves -- Weaving the threads together.