This book offers a sound Christian background to this topic. Appendices include The Theology of Death and Suicide and Christian Teaching. These are followed by a read-aloud and discussion guide for parents to share with their children. These are based upon discussions the author had had with her children over the years. Those without a strong Christian faith will still find worthwhile material in this book.

Possibly the best book to begin to research this area. It is designed, primarily, for the parents of the grieving child, but can be useful for any adult, It begins with a section entitled Quick Answers to Common Questions designed as a starting point for those who are themselves mourning and cannot cope with reading more. The questions include: How can I tell my children about the death?; What can I say when my children ask 'why'?; Should I talk about the death in religious terms?; Should my children attend the wake, funeral, and burial?; Will it harm my children if they see me cry?; What if I'm too overcome with grief to attend to my children's needs?; Should I tell my children's teachers about the death?; What are some of the ways my children might react to the death and how should I respond?; When is it okay for my children to start playing again?; What are the most important things I can do for my children right now?. It also includes anecdotes about real children.

This book aids in the understanding of the languages terminally ill people use to convey their knowledge and needs. There are many cases discussed, including children. The longest case study is Part III: Parent Care: Total Involvement in the Care of a Dying Child, written by the mother whose daughter died of leukaemia. Part II: The Use of Drawings Made at Significant Times discusses the interpretation of drawings.

This book was written to help families through the loss of a child. Chapters include: Sudden Death; Head Injuries and Coma; Loss as a Catalyst for Growth and Understanding; Missing and Murdered Children and Childhood Suicide; Alternative Treatments; Funerals; Spiritual Aspects of the Work with Dying Children. The last chapter discusses near-death experiences.

An honest discussion of grief based on interviews. Griefs discussed include death, divorce and adoption. Topics include the need for truthfulness in grief, the importance of the recognition of grief; and unexpected behaviour with grief.

Australian

A special book which discusses life after a tragic death, such as a murder or a drunk-driving accident. Although many of the grief experiences are the same as for any death, some emotions are different, or are intensified. Especially useful are the chapters on Coping with the Criminal Justice System and Financial Challenges. As an Australian publication much of the advice is transferable to the New Zealand situation. In the Appendix there is a list of New Zealand support groups and organisations.

Clear, practical advice on the states of bereavement and how to help yourself through them. Chapters are: About Bereavement; What Comes Next?; Unfinished Business; The Bereaved Child; The Loss of a Child; Special Cases; When You Have Time; Celebrate Life. Emphasised throughout the book is the importance of taking care of yourself and the importance of not taking on guilt for something you couldn't fix or change. Important to note, the author is a counsellor and hypnotherapist specialising in past life regression.

This is a practical guide based on questionnaires and interviews with bereaved parents. Sections include: Parent's Expectations; Common Patterns in Grief; The Way Ahead. The first section is divided into: Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Death; Childhood Deaths; Teenagers; Young Adults. There is a chapter on Advice for the Caring Services. There is also advice on Assessing Your Own Progress. In the Appendix Points for Reflection are designed to help bereavement counsellors.

New Zealand

Although published over ten years ago this book contains valuable advice and information. There are two especially relevant chapters for this bibliography, Sharing the Loss with Other Children and The Subsequent Child, also information in The Funeral is also relevant. The book offers advice for parents and other family members. A lot of the material is also relevant for those who have suffered the loss of babies through stillbirth or a miscarriage.

This is a collection of interviews with bereaved people, from the loss of a baby at birth, to the loss of a parent. Only one interview specifically relates to grief in childhood, however the book is valuable for its openness and the reassurance that grief is natural.