The death of a grandparent: Kaey's story

Abstract

The impact on children and adolescents of the death of a grandparent has been little researched, and may be under-estimated. In the western world, grandparents are increasingly likely to be involved in their grandchildren's care, whether for economic, practical or family reasons. Their death may therefore have a profound effect. It may also be the child's first experience in life of the loss of someone significant. This article starts with a short review and discussion of the literature before going on to publish a report based on an interview with Kaey, who lost his much-loved grandmother in adolescence, and the impact on him of her death.

Keywords:

• death
• bereavement
• grandparent
• children
• adolescence