When a child dies, grandparents will be deeply affected not only by the death of their grandchild, but also by their son's or daughter's distress. They, too, will need to grieve. Many grandparents look after grandchildren while parents work, and the child's death may mean a huge change in their daily life. You might find our information sheet Death of a grandchild useful.

When a grandparent dies, it is often one of the first experiences children have of a death. When the relationship with the grandparent has been a close one, the children will experience longing for someone who doesn't return. They will see their parents grieving and notice at first hand how consuming grief can be.

It is important to recognise the role that the grandparent has had in the child's life. It's logical to appreciate that the loss and separation will be much greater if they have been their main carer but sometimes we do not appreciate the place the child has found for them in their inner world.