On this week’s Parenting segment, one parent is worried about how their child will deal with the grief of a string of recent losses. 

“My mum died very suddenly last September leaving us all devastated, followed by my mother-in-law also died very suddenly in a similar way,” they told Moncrieff. 

“We also had a childminder who had been with us for years leave us. 

“She minded the five-year-old since he was a baby - as a result my youngest son is really struggling. 

“His teacher has called to tell us that he is acting differently in school, tried to run off on her which concerned her - she had a chat to see if he was OK and he told her he doesn't feel good and doesn't know why. 

“Is he too young for counselling?” 

Play therapy

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune first pointed out that the whole family is struggling as well as the son, so it’s important to be “gentle with yourself” and your own grief.

She said the child is “definitely not” too young for counselling and recommended they look into play therapy for him. 

“In play therapy, children are really using symbolic representation – toys, play, other creative mediums - to express a process, something that they can't speak to because of their young age,” she said. 

“They're going to let your son just work through what's going on for him in his language, which is play and it's very effective. 

“There is a natural grief process that has to happen, it's quite normal to be devastated when something devastating happens 

“But while there is context to his emotional presentation right now, it is a lot of loss for a five-year-old to deal with alone. 

“It's not just one granny - it's two grannies plus a very important caregiver in his life.” 

Therapy for grief

Joanna advised seeking a consultation for play therapy as soon as possible, as there will likely be a wait before sessions can begin. 

“Always ask if they’re suitably qualified and accredited,” she said. “Anyone who is, doesn’t mind being asked.” 

While waiting to begin sessions in play therapy, Joanna recommended books about grief such as Let's Talk About When Someone Dies by Molly Potter and The Invisible String.