Continuing from our previous posts on how to help and guide our children after the loss of a sibling, I would like to share this which I copied from the Hospice Net site. They have a very complete and detailed information on how to help our children to deal with dying loved ones. Of concern is how to spot signs from our children that they are very much affected by the death of their sibling.
Please surf over to Hospice Net for the full information.
Signals for Attention From a Grieving Child
- marked change in school performance.
- poor grades despite trying very hard.
- A lot of worry or anxiety manifested by refusing to go to school, go to sleep, or take part in age appropriate activities.
- not talking about the person or the death. Physically avoiding mention of the deceased.
- frequent angry outbursts or anger expressed in destructive ways.
- hyperactive activities, fidgeting, constant movement beyond regular playing
- persistent anxiety or phobias.
- accident proneness, possibly self-punishment or a call for attention.
- persistent nightmares or sleeping disorders.
- stealing, promiscuity, vandalism, illegal behavior
- persistent disobedience or aggression (longer than six months) and violations of the rights of others.
- opposition to authority figures.
- frequent unexplainable temper tantrums.
- social withdrawal
- alcohol or other drug abuse.
- inability to cope with problems and daily activities
- many complaints of physical ailments
- persistent depression accompanied by poor appetite, sleep difficulties, and thoughts of death.
- long term absence of emotion
- frequent panic attacks
- persistent symptoms of the deceased.