Research & Understanding

At Teach Ruadh, our approach is informed by both lived experience and established research in childhood bereavement, trauma, and emotional wellbeing.

How Grief Impacts Children

Bereavement can have a huge impact on childrens’ emotional wellbeing, behaviour, learning and relationships. Children may not have the language to express what they are feeling, and families are often left navigating this without clear support. 

This page brings together key insights to help understand how grief impacts children—and what supports make a meaningful difference.

How Children Experience Grief

Children do not experience grief in the same way as adults.

Their understanding of loss develops over time, and their responses can vary depending on age, personality, and environment.

Grief in children may show up as:

  • Changes in behaviour 

  • Withdrawal or increased dependency 

  • Difficulty concentrating 

  • Regression (e.g. sleep, routines) 

  • Physical symptoms (tiredness, headaches) 

Children often move in and out of grief, rather than experiencing it in a continuous

Impact on School & Daily Life

Bereavement can significantly affect a child’s ability to engage in school and daily routines. 

This may include:

  • Difficulty focusing or completing work 

  • Changes in behaviour or mood 

  • Social withdrawal or conflict with peers 

  • Increased anxiety or emotional sensitivity 

Schools often want to support children—but may not always feel equipped to do so. We have attached educational resources, research, books and supports available for teachers on our resources page. 

What Helps Children After Loss

Research consistently shows that children benefit from:

  • Safe, consistent relationships
    Having trusted adults who listen and respond calmly – just one can make all the difference

  • Honest, age-appropriate communication
    Clear language helps reduce confusion and fear

  • Opportunities to express feelings
    Through talking, play, art, or routine

  • Stability and routine
    Predictability helps children feel secure

  • Support across environments
    Home, school, and community working together.

The Importance of Early Support

Early support can significantly influence how a child processes grief over time.

Without support, grief may:

  • Become internalised 

  • Affect long-term emotional wellbeing 

  • Impact relationships and learning 

With the right support, children can:

  • Develop resilience 

  • Build emotional understanding 

  • Feel safe expressing their experiences

Our Approach at Teach Ruadh

Teach Ruadh draws on both research and real-world experience to provide:

  • Practical guidance for families 

  • Support for schools and educators 

  • Resources grounded in evidence and lived understanding 

  • Safe, supportive environments for children 

We focus on long-term wellbeing, understanding and care. 

References 

Key areas informing our approach include:

  • Childhood bereavement studies 

  • Trauma-informed practice 

  • Attachment theory 

  • Mindfulness-based approaches