I have not read [tag]Harry Potter Book 7[/tag] ( [tag]Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows[/tag] ).
There are rumors suggesting that one or more main characters will die. A grief counsellor claims that these deaths could cause a serious impact on children.
a “certified grief counselor” is using the release of Harry Potter’s final book to pimp herself to the media, under the guise of helping parents and children deal with grief over the death of fictional characters. Because deaths are rumored to happen in Book 7, the press release states “This could have a serious impact on children, millions of whom have grown up reading, watching and profoundly enjoying the characters and storylines of the Harry Potter series.”
Source: via Harry Potter Grief Counseling?
and this bit of news from the UK
Meanwhile, parents in Britain have been told to prepare for grief counselling. The media is warning that for many young readers, Harry’s death could be as devastating as the death of a best friend, pet or even a relative. The Daily Telegraph reported last week that even child psychologists are getting into the act. It cited American child psychologist Michael Brody who has come up with a three-point bereavement plan to help parents comfort their mourning children.
Source: Will Harry Potter live or die?
Really now? I read the news out loud to M and she just laughed. “Mom, I cried when the mommy dinosaur died in The Land Before Time movie. I was way younger . I turned out fine.”
I can only roll my eyes at the obvious marketing ploy of some enterprising grief counsellors. Children are very resilient. Children who have gone as far as Book 7 know the characters are just make-believe. They can re-read the book over and over again to digest the loss of their favorite character .
The question is when does a child need a grief counsellor or any kind of professional help? or what are the signs that a parent need to watch over their child when they are faced with a loss of a favorite story character, a pet or a friend or family member?
Let’s assume the child is around 9 years old and above.
Ages 9 and up:
By now the child understands that death is final and irreversible. They not only know it could happen to someone else but also to themselves. They may exhibit a wide range of feelings including: shock, denial, anxiety and fear, anger, depression even withdrawal. Their reactions begin to be much more like an adult except they may act out their grief by behavioral changes at home or school.
Source :DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES IN A CHILD’S UNDERSTANDING OF DEATH OR LOSS
Instead of parents preparing themselves for grief counselling , just watch out for any behavioral changes in your child such as:
1. Sleeping habits
2. Study habits
3. Changes in personality behavior which lasts for weeks- include withdrawal, open distress, tears, panic, aggression, anxiety, fear and other signs of stress.
Each child reacts differently to losses. There might be a 0.1% chance a child could be traumatized severely by the deaths in Harry Potter Book 7. Parents know their children enough to know when their child needs help.
