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Bereavement

Books for child whose father is dying

(39 Posts)
janetmaile Sun 15-Jan-17 09:33:14

I agree with Christinefrance. My son and daughter-in-law's baby died in the womb, at a stage where it would have survived if born alive. I felt I could not grieve properly unless I had some details, and wanted to attend the cremation service, but they did not want to talk about it and did not invite anyone to go with them to the funeral. Granash, I suggest you ask your nephew and his wife what help they would like. Sometimes the best thing we can do is keep silent, however difficult that is.

Nelliemoser Sun 15-Jan-17 08:44:42

Granash Contact this organisation Winston's wish. Child bereavent is what it's all about. www.winstonswish.org.uk/

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Christinefrance Sat 14-Jan-17 16:39:15

Having been in this situation with my grandchildren Grannash, I would leave it unless you are asked to help. Do let the family know you are thinking of them and offer to help if needed. Families have different ways of dealing with loss and your way may not be what they want or need right now,.

grannypiper Sat 14-Jan-17 14:52:47

Laura's star by klaus Baumgart is very gentle, more about loss than death.

paddyann Sat 14-Jan-17 10:37:29

Tear Soup ,might be good for her mum to read to her,it just explains that everyone grieves differently and that the "ingredients" for tear soup vary .Its a very nice picture book ,recommended to me by a lovely youn GP when my dad died,my son was only 5 and a half I would think its available on Amazon

Swanny Sat 14-Jan-17 10:01:23

I know of a couple of organisations that may be able to help - Child Bereavement UK and Winston's Wish. I'm sure there are others too. My best wishes to all facing this distressing situation x

morethan2 Sat 14-Jan-17 09:51:58

Your right cornergran that's an important point. We'd be very upset (well more than upset but I can't think of another word) if my grandchildren received this kind of book. No matter how well intentioned.

cornergran Sat 14-Jan-17 09:32:05

Try CRUSE, talk to your local branch or have a look at the website. Many areas have specialist children's counsellors who could advise. So sorry for the situation, very sad. Just one thought, it's an understandable urge to help but if you haven't done so probably best to check with the child's Mum if she is OK with a book arriving and whether she would prefer it addressed to her.

morethan2 Sat 14-Jan-17 09:30:48

McMillan will know. I have one hidden for when the time comes called water bugs &dragonflies Its is part of the Looking up series It's very short and simple but is meant to be read following the death. I'm sure you'll find what your looking for with one of their publications. In the meantime hold on tight and I wish you and the family the strength to cope during this sad and difficult time. It's not fair is it, it's just not fair.

annsixty Sat 14-Jan-17 09:18:09

Is there no organization local to you or them who deal with cancer patients and their whole families who you could ask. McMillan nurses may be the first point of call.

Jayanna9040 Sat 14-Jan-17 09:14:03

Badgers Parting Gifts. Still not really what is needed but a lovely book.

Jayanna9040 Sat 14-Jan-17 09:09:09

Such a sad situation. Other than Grandma's Bill and the Mog book by Judith Kerr I can't name any that deal with death in a way that will help a young child. And neither of those are really appropriate.
Has Mum asked for a book to read with her daughter? People deal with death in different ways.

Granash Sat 14-Jan-17 08:32:05

I perhaps should have added "books that her mum and she can read together".

Granash Sat 14-Jan-17 08:27:22

I would like to hear your recommendations for books. My 50 year old nephew has pancreatic cancer and has been given three months to live. He has a 4 year old daughter. I don't live near enough to visit regularly so I would like to send her a book that will help to get through what she is/will be experiencing. Thanks for your help.