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Chapter 5: Death of Other Family Members

DOI:

10.1891/9780826140494.0005

Abstract

This chapter describes how the death of various family members impacts a child’s life. Professionals should be prepared to discuss the impact of the death of other family members within this context, as in the case of the death of a parent. Like the death of a parent, the death of a sibling can also be a life-altering experience for a child. The chapter discusses the strength of the sibling relationship, specific factors that impact that relationship, and how it influences a child’s grief after the death of a sibling. It also describes the strength of the grandparent/grandchild relationship and the different circumstances that might impact a child’s grief after the death of a grandparent. Another circumstance that impacts a child’s grief after the death of a grandparent is when a grandparent has a life-limiting or terminal illness.