Our Mission

Helping children understand loss

Grief is a long process that can’t be hurried. The important thing is that you provide an opportunity for your child to talk about their feelings, if they wish, because talking openly and honestly can help them make sense of what has happened. 

‘Yesterday You Were Here’ is a tool that will promote discussion. It is ok to admit that you don’t know or that you don’t have all the answers. My book will not answer the hard questions it is a platform to communicate and identify feelings.

How do we help children grieve? How do we answer questions that we find hard to answer ourselves? How can we provide that reassurance that is everything is going to be ok unless we truly believe it ourselves? How do we provide comfort when we ourselves may feel emotional? 

We can begin by being there, being present in the moment. Give your child your complete attention and time. Time is paramount here. Your child may not be ready to talk, be comfortable with the silence. If they want to talk then encourage them to discuss how they feel and what they know and understand. Try to avoid finishing their sentences or asking direct questions. Instead ask open ended questions. Provide them with open and honest answers that are age appropriate. 

Observe their behaviour, are there any changes? You know your child best.