700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by John Ackerman, PhD

Posted by: John Ackerman, PhD , Rachel Jones , Amberle Prater, PhD, LPCC-S on Apr 24, 2026

Losing someone to death by suicide can be shocking, frightening, and incomprehensible for both adults and children alike. Helping a child manage the unexpected loss in a healthy way is an important step forward.

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A child with long hair hugs an adult wearing a red and blue plaid shirt, with the adult’s back facing the camera, outdoors near a sidewalk and green grass.
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How to Support Children Through Grief
Navigating any kind of loss can be difficult. Supporting a child through the loss of a loved one, especially when you’re grieving, too, is even harder.
Two people sit closely on a couch, with one person leaning forward and clasping hands while another places an arm around their shoulders and holds one of their hands, indoors in a softly lit room.
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How to Talk with Children About Death

Talking to a child about death can feel overwhelming.  Walking through a grief journey together can create closeness and resilience that they will carry with them as they grow.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

a father talking to his son about suicide

Suicide: The Conversation We Should Have With Our Kids

Feb 22, 2024

One of the best things we can do is give our young people the power to talk about mental health issues and topics as challenging as suicide without shutting the door. Even if your child is doing well, this is a powerful opportunity to help your child see it is okay to be emotionally open and could help them talk openly with friends. Read More

imgage of a mother and son talking

Your Child Has Talked About Ending Their Life: What's Next?

Feb 21, 2024

Talking to your child about suicide may be the toughest and most uncomfortable conversation you ever have, but it may also be the most important. Listening makes your child more comfortable about sharing thoughts and feelings that are upsetting and deeply personal. Read More

Two kids sitting and hugging each other from the side

Don't Say It's Selfish: Suicide Is Not a Choice

Feb 15, 2024

More than ever before, people understand that caring for our mental health is as important as caring for our physical health. However, there is still much work that needs to be done to break stigmas that contribute to unnecessary shame and misunderstanding of mental illness. Read More

girl sitting on bench

Facebook’s Safety Initiative Helps Prevent Suicide

Feb 13, 2024

Facebook has been collaborating with suicide prevention organizations for more than a decade to identify users at risk for suicide and to provide them with crisis resources. Read More