Children and Bereavement

When a parent dies, children often experience grief very differently from adults. Some may become quiet and withdrawn, while others show their feelings through behaviour or questions that are difficult to answer.

This section offers guidance for families supporting children after the death of a parent or loved one. You will find practical advice on understanding children’s grief, helping them feel safe, and supporting them through the difficult changes that follow a loss.

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apply child passport after parent dies Ireland

Apply for a Child Passport After a Parent Dies in Ireland

Colette Byrne - March 10, 2026

Limerick’s Olive Foley Appointed Ambassador to Children’s Grief Centre

Mother’s Day After Bereavement: Supporting Children Missing Their Mum

Helping Children Cope with Grief – Rosemary Wells

Ideas to Help Bereaved Children Cope on Father’s Day

Mother’s Day After Bereavement: Supporting Children Missing Their Mum

Colette Byrne - March 11, 2026

Mother’s Day can be a complicated time for families after a bereavement. Mother’s Day after bereavement often brings a mixture of emotions for children...

Ideas to Help Bereaved Children Cope on Father’s Day

Colette Byrne - June 10, 2018

Father's Day is nearly here and it can be a very difficult time for children bereaved of their Dad. In Ireland 38,806* Mothers who are widowed, parent young children alone and it can be a struggle to know how to mark this special day. But first, lets acknowledge the 11,690* widowed Dad's of young children in Ireland who are doing a wonderful job. Regardless of your children's age parenting alone is very difficult, take a bow Dad's your doing better than you realise. You too Mum’s! We’ve gathered together Fathers’s Day ideas shared over the years from our community of young widowed parents. Remember to speak with your children in the days before and ask what they would like to do. Some children would like to make cards but others won't want to. Hopefully, some of our ideas will be of help.