A death in the family can leave parents struggling to cope, both with their own loss and their children's grief. Sólás, Barnardos' child bereavement counselling service, has produced a handbook to help families through this difficult time, writes Olivia Kelly

Someone To Talk To - A Handbook on Childhood Bereavement by child psychologist Pat Donnelly is an informative, sensitive and comprehensive guide for parents and any other adults, such as teachers and childcare professionals, who come in contact with bereaved children.

Much of the book is drawn from the experience of over 2,000 grieving children and families who have contacted Sólás since its establishment in June 1996.

"We had so many people ringing the phoneline saying their child was having awful nightmares or was terribly angry and we began to realise that some problems were common to all bereaved children," says Donnelly.

The handbook deals with a wide range of aspects of grief. It explains common problems and reactions children of different ages can have and offers possible solutions. It also directs parents towards helpful resources.

Each section of the handbook is headed by a quote from a bereaved child. "The handbook was informed by children, we felt is was important their voices were heard," says Donnelly. "Grief is a normal part of life and it touches children at any age. A lot of parents just want to know that they're doing the right things or that their child's reaction is 'normal'." The handbook is available directly from Sólás or from any of Barnardos' National Children's Resource Centres at a cost of €12.70.