Purpose
The study investigates how Danish kindergartens support families and children in grief situations after serious illness and death. The purpose of the study is to identify the challenges that employees face, and how they perceive their role in supporting both parents and children in the grieving process. The study provides insight into kindergartens’ support practices, the need for clear routines and emotional support for employees.
Result
The study shows that employees in Danish kindergartens often feel a strong obligation to support both the child and the surviving parent through the grieving process, but also find it challenging to manage emotional difficulties without adequate support and guidance. The most important topics that emerged were the need for more knowledge and guidance, especially about how the kindergarten staff should communicate about death and provide appropriate emotional support to the children. Some kindergartens had contingency plans, but these often emphasised practical tasks rather than emotional support, and employees felt that such plans should be improved to provide more comprehensive support to families in crisis.
Design
The study used focus group interviews (FGI) to collect data from employees in kindergartens. Eight focus groups, each with two to five participants, discussed their experiences regarding children and families in grief. The FGI method was selected to enable an open and collective exploration of the topic. The conversation guide was semi-structured, and the interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis was performed through a step-by-step process and themes were identified and defined through a thorough review of the transcribed material.
References
Lytje, M., & Dyregrov, A. (2023). When young children grieve: Perspectives from day care staff on supporting parents and children through illness and loss. OMEGA-Journal of Death and Dying, 00302228231166803.