'Do You Know Harry Potter? Well, He is an Orphan': Every Bereaved Child Matters

The needs of children who are experiencing loss in all its many guises including separation through divorce, death, war, to name but a few, are many and varied. Presenting issues may include emotional disturbance. In addition, many bereaved children have to cope with a vulnerability to physical illness. In some schools, children are offered counselling or specialist emotional and therapeutic support at times of bereavement. In this article, the author uses case-study examples and autobiographical material, to suggest that child-chosen play, art and children's literature can provide a vehicle for bereavement management and eventual resolution. The author argues that professionals involved in the care and education of children can work together to benefit grieving children.