Some grandchildren may take a grandmother’s death harder due to the duration and closeness of the relationship, the cause of death, or how other family members are reacting. Adults should be sure to demonstrate authentic grief and let any children or adolescents know that it’s okay to cry or be sad.
If you are a minor, it will be up to your parents and your age as to whether you are allowed to attend the funeral or memorial service. If you have a desire to attend, express your opinion to your parents. Then, they can explain to you what will happen at the service and determine if you will feel comfortable attending. They should know that attending the memorial can help you get closure and celebrate your grandma’s life. [1] X Research source
If you are younger person who was not allowed to attend the memorial service, this can be a creative activity that brings you closure. However, even if you did attend the memorial service, it could still be helpful to connect with your memories and talk it over with someone while doing this creative activity.
Really young kids, around age 5 or 6, often think in literal terms, so saying “Grandma went to sleep” might make them worry that the same will happen to them when they sleep. Parents should reassure kids that they were not responsible for the death because some kids fear a death happened because of something they did. [3] X Research source For example, the child might think Grandma died because he didn’t visit her often enough. Older children and adolescents above the age of 9 can often understand the finality of death and that everyone eventually dies.
Research has shown that people with strong spiritual beliefs–because of the principles described about human life and existence beyond–tend to resolve their grief sooner than those who do not. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source If you are a non-believer, secular rituals, such as packing up grandma’s things or regularly visiting her grave, could help you resolve your grief and find comfort. [6] X Research source
Many communities have free support groups for people who are grieving. These may be held in a local church, hospital, or hospice. [9] X Expert Source Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYTLicensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
Grief counseling is especially useful if you’re experiencing prolonged grief or if your grandmother’s death was especially traumatic in some way. [11] X Expert Source Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYTLicensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
Try introducing someone special in your life to an activity you used to enjoy with your grandmother, like baking or doing a craft. That can be a way to celebrate her life while still moving forward. [14] X Expert Source Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYTLicensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist Expert Interview. 24 April 2020. You might also keep fresh flowers in the house or light a candle each day as a way to remember her. [15] X Expert Source Ken Breniman, LCSW, C-IAYTLicensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Yoga Therapist Expert Interview. 24 April 2020.
