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Let your kids explore the Land of CYKE. They can play online games at Castle Fairhope, read stories at Pelican Point, or take a ride on the E. Motion Express.

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CYKE Today

A recent report indicated that early detection and intervention can lead to more positive results with a child that may have autism.

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CYKE MD Blog

Dr. Vincent Ho, a child and adult psychiatrist, writes about the problems all families face. A father of three, he knows it’s more than “by the book.”

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Visit the CYKE Forum and find out how other people have approached different problems. You’re not alone, hear what others have to say.

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Don’t miss an issue of the CYKE Newsletter. Keep up to date on the newest information available at CYKE and receive helpful suggestions.

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CYKE Shop

Many CYKE resources address different emotional problems throughout the life of your child. From anger problems to alcohol abuse prevention, check the CYKE Shop.

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Situations Anxiety Picture

Grief
When a family member dies, children react differently from adults. Preschool children usually see death as temporary and reversible, a belief reinforced by cartoon characters who die and come to life again. Children between five and nine begin to think more like adults about death, yet they still believe it will never happen to them or anyone they know.

Adding to a child's shock and confusion at the death of a brother, sister, or parent is the unavailability of other family members, who may be so shaken by grief that they are not able to cope with the normal responsibility of childcare.

Parents should be aware of normal childhood responses to a death in the family, as well as signs when a child is having difficulty coping with grief. It is normal during the weeks following the death for some children to feel immediate grief or persist in the belief that the family member is still alive. However, long-term denial of the death or avoidance of grief can be emotionally unhealthy and can later lead to more severe problems.

A child who is frightened about attending a funeral should not be forced to go; however, honoring or remembering the person in some way, such as lighting a candle, saying a prayer, making a scrapbook, reviewing photographs, or telling a story may be helpful. Children should be allowed to express feelings about their loss and grief in their own way.

Once children accept the death, they are likely to display their feelings of sadness on and off over a long period of time, and often at unexpected moments. The surviving relatives should spend as much time as possible with the child, making it clear that the child has permission to show his or her feelings openly or freely.

The person who has died was essential to the stability of the child's world, and anger is a natural reaction. The anger may be revealed in boisterous play, nightmares, irritability, or a variety of other behaviors. Often the child will show anger towards the surviving family members.

After a parent dies, many children will act younger than they are. The child may temporarily become more infantile; demand food, attention and cuddling; and talk baby talk. Younger children frequently believe they are the cause of what happens around them. A young child may believe a parent, grandparent, brother, or sister died because he or she had once wished the person dead when they were angry. The child feels guilty or blames him or herself because the wish came true.

Children who are having serious problems with grief and loss may show one or more of these signs:

* an extended period of depression in which the child loses interest in daily activities and events
* inability to sleep, loss of appetite, prolonged fear of being alone
* acting much younger for an extended period
* excessively imitating the dead person
* repeated statements of wanting to join the dead person
* withdrawal from friends, or
* sharp drop in school performance or refusal to attend school

If these signs persist, professional help may be needed. A child and adolescent psychiatrist or other qualified mental health professional can help the child accept the death and assist the others in helping the child through the mourning process.

AACAP

 

About CYKE

What does "C-Y-K-E" stand for?

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CYKE Videos

See how the E. Motion Express helps the Monkey King control his anger in this 3-D animated video clip.

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CYKE Reviews

Read our E. Motion review of the “Lion King” to find out how you can use this movie to talk about loss and sadness with your child.

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My CYKE

Keep your own personal list of articles that you find most important. Join our CYKE Circle of premium members. Members receive discounts on products and services.

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CYKE Thoughts

Whether you’re dealing with the “Terrible Two’s” or “Teen Years” learn to pick and choose your battles.

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CYKE Favorites

Take a look at some of the books, TV shows, and movies that we have found useful and fun for children.

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