When children lose someone they love, they lose part of their very identity. Life, as they knew it, will never be quite the same. The world that once felt dependable and safe may suddenly seem a frightening, uncertain place, where nobody understands what they're feeling. In this deeply sympathetic book, Phyllis R. Silverman and Madelyn Kelly offer wise guidance on virtually every aspect of childhood loss, from living with someone who's dying to preparing the funeral; from explaining death to a two year old to managing the moods of a grieving teenager; from dealing with people who don't understand to learning how and where to get help from friends, therapists, and bereavement groups; from developing a new sense of self to continuing a relationship with the person who died. Throughout, the authors advocate an open, honest approach, suggesting that our instinctive desire to "protect" children from the reality of death may be more harmful than helpful. "Children want you to acknowledge what is happening, to help them understand it," the authors suggest. "In this way, they learn to trust their own ability to make sense out of what they see." Drawing on groundbreaking research into what bereaved children are really experiencing, and quoting real conversations with parents and children who have walked that road, the book allows readers to see what others have learned from mourning and surviving the death of a loved one. In a culture where grief is so often invisible and misunderstood, the wisdom derived from such first-hand experience is invaluable. Filled with compassion and common sense, A Parent's Guide to Raising Grieving Children: Rebuilding Your Family after the Loss of a Loved One offers readers a wealth of solace and sound advice, and even--where one might least expect it--a measure of hope.

Chapter One--Road Map for a Long Journey Chapter Two--What Death Means to Children Chapter Three--Someone I Love is Dying Chapter Four--Someone I Love Has Died Chapter Five--Death of a Parent: World Turned Upside Down Chapter Six--After a Child's Death Nothing is the Same Chapter Seven--Invisible Mourners: The Death of a Friend Chapter Eight--Help of All Kinds Chapter Nine--Continuing Bonds Chapter Ten--Looking Back, Looking Ahead

"Silverman and Kelly have written a definitive yet readable book to help parents of children who are lost in an intimidating new world of loss. At a time when the pain of loss can paralyze both thought and feeling, this guide will be a road map to coping and moving to better days. A must book in every parent's library."-- Dr. Phil McGraw |k No