Does My Child Need Grief Counselling?
Signs to Look Out For
When a child experiences loss whether through the death of a loved one, a family separation, or even the loss of a pet. A child’s grief can look very different from an adult’s. Parents often ask, “Does my child need grief counselling?”
At WayMaker, we specialise in helping children process big emotions through play. Our animation, A New Day for Little Bear, was created to give children a gentle way to understand loss and find hope again. Play therapy offers a safe space for children to explore feelings they might not yet have words for.
How Do Children Experience Grief?
Children grieve in ways that reflect their stage of development. Unlike adults, they may move quickly in and out of sadness, crying one moment, then playing the next. This doesn’t mean the grief is shallow; it simply shows how children cope.
Common ways children show grief include:
Asking the same questions repeatedly
Changes in behaviour (clinginess, anger, withdrawal)
Trouble sleeping or nightmares
Physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches
Regression (e.g., wanting to be treated younger than their age)
Does My Child Need Grief Counselling?
While grief is a natural process, some children need extra support to process their feelings. Counselling or play therapy may help if you notice:
Intense sadness that doesn’t ease over time
Avoiding reminders of the loss completely
Ongoing difficulties in school or friendships
Struggling to talk about or acknowledge the loss
Big changes in appetite, sleep, or mood that persist
If you’re asking yourself this question, it may be a sign your child could benefit from additional support.
How Play Therapy Helps Children Process Grief
Play is a child’s natural language. Through play therapy, children can express emotions symbolically, work through fears, and regain a sense of safety. It helps them:
Process grief at their own pace
Explore feelings without needing “big words”
Build coping strategies for the future
Strengthen connection with caregivers
Find out more about play therapy and why it is such a powerful way for children to process grief.
Gentle Resources for Parents
Sometimes stories and symbols can help children where words cannot. That’s why we created A New Day for Little Bear a therapeutic animation designed to help children who are navigating loss. Little Bear’s journey shows that while grief changes us, it’s possible to find light again.