Based on the Hospice Foundation of America''s second annual teleconference, this book explores three basic themes in children''s grief.

Firstly, it maintains that children are always developing; therefore their understanding of death and their reactions to illness and loss are also multifaceted and constantly undergoing change.

Secondly, children grieve in ways that are both different from and similar to adults. While they may need different therapeutic approaches from their elders, each loss is different and the grief experience will be affected by many of the same factors that affect adults.

Thirdly, it holds that they need significant support as they grieve.

Talking to children about loss and illness is too important to wait until a crisis; rather, it is essential to provide opportunities to discuss loss in times that are not so emotionally laden.

This book aims to demonstrate that open communication between parents and children will lead to skills and understanding that are essential to the child for coping with loss and reaffirming that death is part of the process of living.