The death of a sibling can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Losing a brother or sister in childhood is one of the most confusing and life-changing events a person can experience except for losing a parent at a young age.

It is very important for siblings to feel that they have been heard and understood as they navigate through their grief.

When a young sibling child dies, it is important that children are reassured that they themselves will be OK and that they are safe. They also need to know that it is not their fault that their brother or sister died, because they may have had an argument, fight, or had angry words with their sibling in the days before he or she died.

Surviving children need to know that they are still loved by their families, especially when everyone around them is overwhelmed by the death. Parents can be tired, confused and maybe even angry, short-tempered,........

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