Grief in Children's Story Books

Children's Books for Grief

Grieving is a natural and adaptive process that occurs in response to the loss of a loved one. For children, the death of a family member or friend can be particularly challenging, requiring substantial support from caregivers and professionals to navigate their grief effectively. Children's story books have emerged as a valuable resource in helping young ones understand and cope with grief. A systematic integrative review conducted by María Martínez-Caballero and colleagues sheds light on how these books can serve as tools for children aged 7 to 11 to deal with grief.

Understanding the Role of Children's Story Books in Grief

Children's story books are not merely for entertainment; they can serve therapeutic purposes, particularly in addressing complex emotions like grief. The reviewed study sought to provide nursing professionals with information on how these books can be used to help children process their feelings following the death of a loved one. The study systematically analyzed books available in the ISBN database of the Ministry of Culture and the University Libraries Network, with data extraction conducted by two coders using a registered protocol in PROSPERO.

The review included 56 books that met the inclusion criteria. Several key themes and findings emerged from the analysis:

Representation of Death: The study found that 25% of the deceased characters in these books were grandparents, highlighting a common familial relationship that children might experience loss from. Additionally, 30.4% of the deaths were due to illness, a scenario that many children may encounter in real life.

Emotional Responses: Sadness was the most frequently depicted emotion in the books, appearing in 43.3% of the stories. This highlights the importance of acknowledging and validating the child's feelings of sorrow as a natural response to loss.

Coping Strategies: Remembering the deceased person was the most commonly suggested coping strategy, present in 28.7% of the books. This approach helps children keep the memory of their loved ones alive while processing their grief.

Grieving Process: The grieving process itself was depicted in 32.1% of the stories, providing a narrative framework for children to understand and relate to their own experiences of grief.

Practical Implications

While children's story books can be powerful tools in supporting grieving children, the review identified certain limitations. One significant recommendation from the study is that adults should accompany children while reading these books. This allows for immediate discussion and clarification of any aspects not thoroughly addressed in the stories, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding and emotional support.

Recommendations for Caregivers and Professionals

Based on the findings of the review, here are some practical recommendations for caregivers and professionals using children's story books to help children cope with grief:

Selection of Books: Choose books that accurately represent the child's experience and emotions related to grief. Ensure that the stories include coping strategies that can be discussed and implemented in real life.

Active Engagement: Read the books with the child, providing a safe space for them to express their feelings and ask questions. This active engagement can help in addressing any gaps or misconceptions that might arise from the story.

Supplemental Support: Use the books as a starting point for broader conversations about death and grief. Supplement the reading with other supportive activities, such as memory-making projects or grief counseling if needed.

The systematic integrative review by Martínez-Caballero et al. underscores the potential of children's story books to aid in understanding and coping with grief. These books can provide a narrative structure for children to process their emotions and remember their loved ones. However, the presence and guidance of an adult are crucial to maximize the benefits of these stories. By carefully selecting appropriate books and engaging in thoughtful discussions, caregivers and professionals can significantly support children in their journey through grief.

Reference

Martínez-Caballero, M., Melero, Á., Silió-García, T., Aparicio-Sanz, M., & Ortego-Maté, C. (2022). Grief in children's story books. A systematic integrative review. Pediatric Nursing, 13(4), 666-674. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2022.12.012