When A Child Returns to School After a Parent's Suicide:
A child returning to school
after a parent's suicide is a very important part of the healing. School provides children with a sense of normalcy and
reassures them that life goes on, even after a tragedy. Every child in different in how much time they feel they need until
they return to school. Some choose to go back soon after the death to see their friends and feel the predictability of school
instead of the sadness and confusion at home. Others feel very anxious about returning as it means being away from the security
of home and family. They may need a few extra days or attend school part time for a short time. If there is a lot of fear,
perhaps speaking to a counselor may be helpful.
It is helpful to contact the principal, teacher, school counselor and nurse. Often people have
learned about it in the community. Families can decide how much information to share. Details are not necessary, but it helps
to let the school know what the child understands or has been told. Meeting privately with the teacher is helpful for younger
children. Teens need to be involved in this process, if they choose.
Children need to be prepared for what they may encounter at school. Friends may seem awkward
around them and not know what to say. Many educators find it difficult to help child survivors. Let children practice
responding with such things as: "thank you", "I am too sad to talk about it now", "I don't want
to talk about what happened. Maybe you can talk to my mom." Remind them that even if an adult asks, sharing information
or expressing feelings is not required.
A child can respond with: "My dad had an illness in his brain that caused him to end his life. The
medicines he tried did not help him." or "My dad died from complications of depression." Peers can say things
that are upsetting too as suicide is so frightening that sometimes children say cruel or upsetting comments. It is hard
for children to let peers know that their feelings have been hurt. This is a good time for adults, such as teachers, neighbors,
or coaches to help out and use this time to talk about how children can support a friend and the importance of being kind.