[MUSIC PLAYING] It's hard seeing your child coping with grief even harder if you're going through a grieving process yourself. Knowing how to support them can be difficult. Here are some tips that may help you. Tip one, use clear, age appropriate, and honest language. When someone dies, it can be tempting to try to soften the blow by using phrases like gone to sleep or passed away, but this is confusing for children and sometimes even frightening. It's better to use direct words like died or death. Being honest helps children feel safe and builds trust. This is true for children of all ages, although older children might ask for more detail. Be guided by the questions they ask and honest in your responses. Children may ask challenging questions like, what happens after we die. And it's OK to say, I don't know and to share what your family believes. It's OK to feel unsure or emotional when you talk about loss. You don't have to have all the answers. What matters most is being open, honest, and patient. Tip two, make space for all feelings. There's no wrong way to feel. Grief can bring sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, confusion, sometimes laughter. Some children feel nothing at all at first and carry on their day as if nothing has happened. Children process feelings in their own way. Let them know all feelings are valid. Remind them that emotions can change day to day. It's OK to feel whatever they feel and you're here to talk things through whenever they're ready. Be open to answering their questions, even if they're repeated. And if your child doesn't want to that's OK too. Tip three, support them to say goodbye in a way that feels right for them. If there's a funeral or memorial, involve your child in a way that's age appropriate. They may wish to attend. Others might prefer to choose a song, flowers, or create their own ritual. Giving them choices and helping them feel included can bring comfort and a sense of connection. Tip four, keep the memory alive. Talk about the person who died and encourage the child to share their own memories. It's healthy for children to talk about the person they've lost. Share stories, look at photos, and create traditions and rituals. You might want to make a memory box filled with treasured items, this helps children understand that love doesn't end even when someone has died. And it can comfort them in moments of sadness. Tip five, keep routines and activities going. Grief can make the world feel unpredictable. Daily routines like meal times, bedtime, or going to school help children feel safe and grounded and give them a sense of normality in their daily life. Encourage them to keep doing the things they enjoy. It's OK for them to smile and laugh or have fun again. That's not forgetting. It's healing. Tip six, let them see you grieve too. It's OK to show your emotions as it helps children understand that sadness is normal. You don't have to be perfect. Children learn how to express their feelings by watching the adults around them. If you're feeling sad, share that. You might say, I'm feeling really sad today because I miss them. Tip seven, watch out for warning signs. Be alert to drastic changes in behaviour like acting out or retreating. Social connection to family and Friends is crucial, and both for you and them trying to get some decent sleep, diet, and exercise will help manage emotions too. Regular check ins and creating opportunities for conversation can make your child feels safe and offer a chance to pick up early warning signs if they are struggling. Tip eight, talk to your child's school and help them return when they're ready. Returning to school is important because it brings back structure, routine, and social connections. Many children crave that it can be difficult, especially if a child feels worried, distracted, or overwhelmed. Ensure there's a trusted adult who watches closely and who your child knows they can go to. They can choose who that person is, someone they might feel connected to. They may need small adjustments when they return, like a quiet space to take a break or flexibility with their schoolwork. Reassure your child. School is a safe place, and they can ask for help when they need it. Remember, grief is a process, not a problem to solve, and you don't have to go through it alone. There are wonderful bereavement charities like Winston's Wish, Child Bereavement UK, and Grief Encounter that offer help, counselling, and support for both parents and children. Above all, just being there, listening, comforting, and showing your child that they're not alone is one of the most powerful things you can do. For more information on dealing with grief, go to our website, NipintheBud.org.